This drama promised greatness, which it unfortunately was unable to deliver entirely. The premise sounded intriguing with a little fantasy twist. Though the plot had some interesting twists and turns, overall the drama had a very repetitive setup. Most of the episodes consisted of one of the characters having a dream, throughout the episode they work to prevent it and at the end they save the day, rinse and repeat.

I also had a lot of trouble backing the lead couple in While You Were Sleeping. Even though Lee Jong Suk and Suzy did very well in their roles. I didn’t sense a whole lot of chemistry or any for that matter. Thinking back on the drama, I don’t even know when feelings started to form and the romance began.

Yet there are some points in this drama that just blew me away. The pilot for instance was a work of art. If only they were able to keep that going week over week. A handful of these episodes where so beautiful and breathtaking. The effects used to bridge reality and dream whisk you away to another world. The visual effects that this drama uses make a good argument to watch it.

Overall, I think While You Were Sleeping is an interesting enough drama to watch. Unfortunately, I don’t think it was able to deliver on the ultra-hype that proceeded it.  If you are interested in the premise, watch this drama! Get swept away in this beautiful striking drama!

Read More

Starting this drama, I had no expectations.  I didn’t think the Contract Marriage Premise could stand in 2017; I was wrong.  Lee Min Ki and Jung Soo Min did such an amazing job bringing Nam Se Hee and Yoon Ji Ho to life.  From the first episodes, they share such a sweet and tender understanding for each other.  Nam Se Hee is such a deep and thoughtful character, but has a bit of an odd outlook on life.  Lee Min Ki’s portrayal of such a quirky character is so heartwarming.  He really delivers on a whole new level.  His monologues throughout the drama are so deep and evocative.

Along with the development of the lead characters, the supporting characters have fairly unique and memorable character arcs.  Aside from the contract relationship premise, Because This is My First Life also tries to tackle the three modern day females with different perspectives setup.  This drama does this very well.  The roles of Woo Su Ji and Yang Ho Rang are able to share in some very poignant moments throughout the drama.  I enjoyed how the portrayal of these female characters provided a commentary of the modern day woman and the challenges that she faces from day to day.

Personally, this was one of my favorite dramas this year.  It was just pure perfection from start to end.  It astutely created characters that had special circumstances, but were still entirely relatable.  A feat not many dramas can aptly pull-off.  I can’t recommend this one enough!

Read More

My Secret Romance has a fresh setup and premise since the drama starts with a one night stand, but overall this drama is pretty cheesy and cliche. This dramas love for pretty standard Kdrama tropes is probably why is keeps on sneaking into viewers "guilty pleasures" lists. There isn't anything very original about this drama, but man, does it make me super nostalgic for the classic Kdramas of the early 2000s. I feel like this is one last hoorah for the tsundere male lead ... even at its best ... there are some really cringe-worthy moments. This drama has a fairly low production value. From the sound effects, the audio mix, the shooting angles, they all leave something to be desired.

Yes, this drama was pretty painful to watch at times, but I did shamelessly enjoy it in parts hee hee! I probably wouldn't reccomend this drama ...

Read More

A yellow box full of a person's treasured belongings ...

What if you were able to distill a person's essence down to the treasured items, one could fit into a single yellow box? What messages would they share?

These are the questions that Move to Heaven poses. Over the drama's ten episodes, it is able to weave a beautiful story that looks to honor the lives of the dead. Throughout its run, I admired how the drama didn't shy away from broaching weighty and sometimes controversial topics whether it was neurodivergence, domestic violence, double suicide, unnaturalized citizenship, and adoption. This drama is strikingly executed and beautifully acted. Move to Heaven was deeply moving and pulled at my heartstrings. Probably not a great drama for the faint of heart. This was one of the best dramas so far this year!

Read More

What an extraordinary story?! I don't think there is any drama quite like this one. I love how his drama tackles the reluctant hero arch. Kim Sung Ryong's transformation from small job swindler to hero of the entire TQ group will leave you touched and howling from all the crazy office hijinks.

As someone who normally only watches rom-coms, this comedic business show is certainly outside of my regular preferences. The drama has the most amazing episode endings ... that kept me watching episode after episode, but in the middle of each episode there seems to end a bit of a lull. I was so happy to get to episode 16 and 17, where the bromance really starts to heat up.

The bromance between Nam Gung Min and Lee Jun Ho is of epic proportions. This Love Hate relationship is what keeps most viewers watching. The drama teases it throughout the series, but it really gains momentum from episode 16. I would venture to say that this drama is worth it just for the bromance and the comedy.

Read More

Ikuta Toma and Oguri Shun play childhood friends set on avenging the death of their beloved teacher. To this end, Ikuta becomes a detective while Oguri has risen through the ranks of organized crime. This drama was adapted from a dark, seinen manga. In its 10 episodes, it can not possibly grasp the complexity in the original work, I feel like this drama does a great job realizing the feel and tone of the original work. It is great to see Oguri Shun and Ikuta Toma working together again. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to see Ikuta in a more serious role. I would advise that this drama is fairly dark and has a very somber tone. I wouldn't suggest it for anyone looking for a happy ending. Ouroboros' OST is so good, featuring songs such as "No One" and Arashi's "Sakura." You should definitely give it a try!

Read More

I've never would have dreamed that I would fall in love with this drama like I did. I'm normally not a huge fan of historical dramas. I started watching this drama for Oguri Shun, Shibasaki Kou and Mukai Osamu. This drama is so balanced between the historical references, the modern comedic references and the hip hop mixed music produced by Taku Takahashi. The pacing keeps it moving all though the drama. The characters are likable and relatable with touching performances. You should watch this drama if you like historical dramas, any of the actors in the main cast, action and/or human dramas.

Read More

Falling for Innocence truly reawakened my love for Asian Dramas. Jung Kyung Ho's portrayal of a man's change of heart struggling between his desire for revenge and lingering feelings for the female lead is beautifully realized in his performance. Watching how male lead is forever drawn to the daughter of the man who betrayed his father is quite captivating. This drama has elements of romance, business, mystery, suspense and crime. A little bit for everyone. I strongly recommend this drama. The story is sooooo very good. The pacing is on point. And, the ending is sweet. Plus, Davink's Paradise is a killer theme!!!!

Read More

Hwayugi proves that I should never pick up anticipated or over-hyped dramas. While touting a star studded cast, a legendary production team and adored source material, this drama left a lot of potential on the table.

After a few very turbulent weeks for the production crew including blatant CGI issues, debacles in this drama’s airing schedule and a terrible on set accident that threatened to stop production all together, Hwayugi finally seemed to get somewhat back on course. Even so, this drama was never able to establish a consistent tone or pacing. Most weeks it was a garbled mess with a Monster of the Week format. Each new arc and challenge that our protagonists have to face are all resolved before they can have any greater significance to the lead couple. This setup prevented me from becoming at all vested in the story, its characters and its romance. This drama is chalk full of filler just not a lot of substance here.

This drama’s saving grace is certainly the magical and impish Lee Seung Gi in his role of Son Oh Gong! Here Seung Gi is so charismatic and playful. The only reason I continued to watch this drama, was to see this monkey in his natural environment. Lee Seung Gi truly shines here championing all of his hallmarks. His performance as Son Oh Gong kept me watching even with the subpar plot.

I can’t really recommend this drama due to how it is lacking in its story, pacing and tone, but if you are an avid fan of Lee Seung Gi, you may need to weigh your options again.

Read More

What an extraordinary story?! This drama has something for everyone: Romance, Action, Suspense, Intrigue, Political Power Plays etc. The main storyline is set in the Goryeo Period during the Wang Family's internal struggle for power. This drama is absolutely gorgeous considering the costumes, the sets, the actors ... For being a 20 episode series, the pacing is perfect and keeps moving. The only thing is during the second half, the tone of drama takes a sad and emotional turn. Lee Jun Ki makes another star appearance as the misunderstood, tortured antihero. This is a reverse harem series, so the young male cast does provide for a lot of eye candy and fan service. I highly reccomend this series. A quite moving drama that leaves a deep impression.

Read More