An intriguing and refreshing drama

Ever since getting hooked in Korean Drama, I enjoy bingeing rather than having to wait for each episode to be released. But this drama made it so intriguing with the documentary style and 30-minute per episode, I don't mind anticipating two episodes each week.

In the beginning, I thought the interview/documentary part of the plot was a bit of a drag but it was paced well in the succeeding episodes. How the characters' feedback on the topic or theme presented in the episode is like me discussing with my friends on their personal take or opinion about it.

I am big fan of Jichang Wook and have never been disappointed in any of his drama nor movie. This surely is different and once again brings out the best in him as a lead character. He makes my heart flutter in every romantic scene he does.

The vibe of city life -- commuting, part-time / full time job pressure or demands, and hang out or friends past-time is refreshing from the typical rich and famous lifestyle or joseon living.

Lastly, this drama gives audience an opportunity to look at their personal perspective on the foundation of love or any relationship.

I like the build-up from episode 8 till the 13th so far. After watching all episodes, it leaves something to be desired. I wish the running-time was more than 30 minutes or more episodes.

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Classic Tale with a Twist

I have seen several Kdramas based on folklore (stories about Gumiho), by far I enjoyed this comparatively. I like how the author explicitly showed the essence of the story. It was done very smoothly without disrupting the flow of the plot. The episodes were aptly planned. Although it seemed monotonous halfway through, where the scenes were mostly of Jang Ki-Yong's struggle to be human, the essence of the struggle served as a cohesive piece -- like an aha moment. Unlike other story of the same theme, this Kdrama revealed it all at once. It was a good element in the plot -- added fun, romance, magic, etc.

I have seen most of Jang Ki-Yong's dramas and movies and his acting in this Kdrama is impeccable. I didn't see him for his previous character or roles. But he got me focused on this character. He was able to portray the mature, witty, withdrawn, mystical role. As his character evolved in succeeding episodes, he never fails to show a spontaneous and natural acting especially when sweeping a girl off her feet. He makes audience put themselves in that scene. The chemistry between Jang Ki-Yong and Lee Hye ri is notable. They complement on how they look in screen and acting.

Episode 15 was very moving for me. The scene, lines and acting evoked the right emotions. It was so real that I could really feel the pain of the characters. It seemed predictable that he will be a human but when he disappeared, my thoughts aligned with the story too. Even though there's a part that expects a certain ending, the storyline was able to captivate my attention in the moment. So when he came back as a human, it truly was a surprise too!

Other elements that gave color, appeal and flavor to the drama were the theme on friendship, love, relationships, humanity, and misconceptions. The secondary characters were played well too. The actors gave justice to their roles. I enjoyed the comic relief in between.

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Not the usual Legend

This drama depicts a love story that overcame challenges in their relationship. Like many other stories, the characters endured a lot yet decided to keep their love for each other despite being ill-fated. Although the story may seem typical and other fairy tale lends itself to this drama, it still possess it's own unique way of delivering the story. It has a blend of comic relief, romantic element, suspense and intrigue as the past (historical drama) runs parallel with the current story.

The chemistry of the male and female protagonists makes the romantic element of the story fluid and very natural. In general the acting of the actors were all portrayed well and gave justice to the part they played.

The choice of location in this drama gave an added value to the story.

I was never a Lee Min Ho fan, but this is the second drama in his filmography that I have seen....and convinced now that he's quite good in this genre. Suits him in many aspects. A must see if you haven't.

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Good acting

No wonder Yoo Ah-in bagged the best actor award at the Baeksang this year. Despite the absence of dialogue, he was able to convey the message his character and role intended. His impairment somehow served him good for the labor he is engaged in. Lessened the burden of guilt and morality. As the story progressed, he was left to tend a girl that was purely meant to provide a source of income. Contrary to his job, the girl still saw something in him that made her choose to stay. In the brief period they spent together, it is disheartening to see how the girl condoned the same practice (cleaning the mess) when confronted with the unprecedented situation with the cop. This movie is a good illustration of 'action speaks louder than words' adage.

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Gives you a good and romantic feeling

I have seen this drama twice and have always felt the same way -- believe and hope in love. Yoo Yeon Seok has portrayed his role well and very natural. After seeing him in other drama and movie of different genre, he can really pull a role like this with ease. Kang So Ra suits Yeon Seok as lead role, both in screen look and acting aspects.

I like how simple the story revolved in a small setting or locality yet tackles many themes -- family, relationships, choices, business, community, support system, and the like. The choice of location for the drama is very interesting for foreigners and gives us ideas of what to visit when in Jeju.

The whirlwind romance is not stressful unlike other drama. Yet makes you look forward to every episode. The infusion of culinary in the plot gives a different to viewers - apart from living up to the title 'warm and cozy'.

The pacing of the story is just right. No hurried or dragging scenes in any episodes. No wonder I can re-watch it again (after watching it twice already).

I hope you enjoy this drama as much as I have and will continue to!

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I would title it: Black Knight (only)

I was delighted to stumble upon this drama, on a random selection prompted by Netflix. Just saw one of Kim Rae Won's drama and found him to be an underrated star. He fits this reserved, gentlemen, one-man-woman type, witty and good sense of humor. The 'romance' part of the drama was not cheesy because of how he acted on those parts. It seemed very natural. His chemistry with Shin Se Kyung added up to the pleasant outcome of the 'romantic' side of the drama.

I like how the drama incorporated different art medium - painting, dance and clothing design. Which I think added a different 'spice' to the episodes. I particularly admire how the theme of 'living happily together' and wickedness has no end is seamlessly relayed in the scenes. What is it really to live a happily together? What and whose yardstick do we measure up to when it comes to living happily together? What makes up that choice? And how it does not only refer to marriage or long-term commitment, rather in day to day living and the choices we make that makes us happy at the end of each day, month, and years. The drama used the historical and belief on reincarnation to depict endless wickedness. That even from past to present life, wickedness continues to overcome a person who has given into it. Also, wickedness can be motivated by many factors -- greed, ill words spoken towards us, influence, and weak character.

I would have preferred more romantic episodes of Rae Won and Se Kyung.

I like the location scenes. Beautiful spots enhanced the romantic element of the scenes.

This would be in my list of recommendation, definitely.

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Pleasantly Surprised

After getting hooked with Song Joong-ki's filmography, only recently I didn't know what to expect with this drama series. After watching the trailer, I thought it would be the typical hard-core mafia themed series. The comedy variation in the plot was a pleasant surprise. The comedic scene and dialogue are pulled-off unintentionally (it seemed), giving it a nice twist. I personally like court scenes and this drama gave me a different appeal with the unconventional approach in presenting the case and procedure. Song Joong-ki's character, appearance, versatility (italian language) -- makes him more appealing in this drama...as he is already after watching most of his drama and movies. I like how he does his 'fight' scenes and yet comes out still looking daper. The casting for the leading lady of Joong-ki is a good choice, they complement each other. I really look forward each week for the new episodes. One of the best season finale I have seen. Air time for each roles (including secondary) were sufficient and did not seem rushed. Although the death of the antagonist was gruesome, it was presented well. The best scenes for me are: the proposal at the museum and the italian exhibition (stairs) -- before they said goodbye.

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Women Empowerment

Superb drama, from the beginning to the end. Powerful acting, dialogues and storyline. Lee Bo Young and Kim Seo Hyung gave a remarkable performance in their respective roles. They really embodied empowered women, whether in a male or female dominated environment. Very unpredictable, realistic and relevant story and how it unfolded each episode.

I like how the writer relayed the struggle, choices and triumph of women in the story -- inlcluding the supporting roles. The myriad realities women of varying economic status go through were highlighted well. Even their facial expressions gave justice to the character being portrayed. Very heartfelt scenes.

I like the pacing of the plot, there was no episode hurried neither dragged. It was enough to connect from the previous episode and to look forward to the next. Eventhough the genre is drama, there were welcoming and interesting elements infused in the story that gave a different appeal to viewers (like me).

Well done to the entire team! Worth watching from it's pilot to the finale even though there are 2 episodes per week only.

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Good Storyline

Although I have just seen this movie (10 years later), I still find it relevant and interesting movie. It is not always we see this kind of theme depicted in the storyline. More often than not, we see a lot of conflicts in amassing wealth. This movie tells us a story of how people's view on wealth or money and how we put significance to it. The characters are not necessarily different in terms of economic status but has different methods of livelihood or source of income, how they utlilize the wealth and how to fend for themselves. Though the female lead character proves to be wise in terms of finding means to earn money, it shows too her inability to make sound judgement in terms of trusting people -- who eventually got defrauded.

While the male lead character may seem carefree and unstable in many aspects, prove to be a better person -- not consumed by money or riches, cares for the people who showed him kindness, knows how to repay good deeds, incorporates fun in 'living'.

This could be a reality to some or most of us.

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Girl Power

If you are looking for drama that highlights woment empowerment, this for me tops the list. Women leading top web portal company, rising above politics, standing up for gender equality and contending discrimination is worth cheering for! The sense of fashion, fancy cars, and lifestyles just adds up to the image portrayed by the characters in the drama.

Apart from the abovementioned topics, this drama also tackles the decisions and choices women make to attain and maintain that position. Sometimes, in reality building 'intimate relationship' becomes secondary or close to non-existent. But the resilient character of Jang Ki-yong and the passionate interest of Lee Da He gave the story a different flavor, on how they fought for their 'love'.

It is interesting how three women in the same industry in the pinnacle of their status can be motivated differently and how friendship survived them in their professional struggles.

There's a good balance of romance and drama.

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Another one in my list

I am a sucker for romcom and this one surely is in my list...considering Kim Rae Won as the lead actor. He just suits the genre...he can pull it off whatever character he has to portray. He complements any leading lady and makes the viewer feel like they are the one (like in my case). His look, smile, gesture are all so natural that makes it look such a good chemistry.

Whilst the story is a real to some of the viewers, I like how the writer left some thoughts to ponder -- like, could you really fall for someone who just met, while drunk? Is it not worth going back to the same person who left you, considering you were languishing in pain and comfort of alcohol? I guess these questions makes each of our experiences unique and different from others albeit it is still 'breaking up'.

Infusing the plot with other's own share of pain and struggle with their own love story, gave a balanced idea of the theme.

Worth watching at 2am!

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Not too impressed

Whilst the theme of the drama is very positive and how it tackles issue on body-shaming, there were just many aspects of the movie that was not done quite well-balanced or right.

When the female protagonist had a complete makeover, it is understood that she'd look the part. However, I don't think it's realistic to participate in a cooking competition in high heels. Even the scene where she made the rice ball, how can you carry a large cauldron and balance your own weight wearing heeled shoes. Also, the fashion shoot was poorly done. For a supposedly well-known conglomerate, you would think that there's an entourage for the model to make her look good. There was nothing done with her hair, it looked a bit tacky...yet the finished layout of the ad (Pop Up stand) had a different hairstyle.

Also I found the story to be a drag. From episode 14, the development of the plot slowed comparatively. I am not sure if highlighting the conflicts | revenge, which took 1/3 of the story, is a factor.

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Superb Acting

When I saw this movie, I didn't know who Song Joong-ki is. Yet I was utterly impressed with his acting in this movie. To play a role without saying a word, requires more from the actor. Unlike theater, you can't make your movements big or exaggerated. Eventhough cinematography, music, lighting, etc. plays a big role in a scene and movie in totality -- viewers see more of the acting than the complementing factors in making a movie interesting and engaging. Song Joong-ki gave justice to the character and was effective in the role. The scene where he was tamed by Park Bo Young seemed real with their cohesive acting. It's like a concert -- musical instruments played timely at the conductor's command.

The acting is so engaging that I was ushered to see beyond it. I saw, heard and understood more. I like how it evoked my own perception, emotion and interpretation of the subject.

One of the great Korean movies I have seen, by far!

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My Favorite Parts

In this review, I would like to share highlights of why I distinctively enjoyed this drama. I liked the way the drama opened in the first episode by showing two different types of footwear, how it's worn and two individual running for different reason. This scene alone was a lightbulb moment for me -- running is not only for athletes but people run for many reasons. It could be they're late, to catch a bus, run away from something or someone or fitness, etc. Still on the subject of shoes, I liked the style of Seo Dan-ah -- runners with corporate attire. Something worth emulating. In the scene she shares the reason behind the fashion statement gave that scene a different impact. Another scene that I really like when Seo Dan-ah realized that he sees the painter in the painting that is why she's so drawn and fixated in owning pieces from the artist. I like the positive message and motivation that transcends in the episodes. A very nice element in the drama was the unexpected friendship that budded when the characters' lives intertwined. Siwan portrayed his role in this drama uniquely. He had this naive yet profound personality that is undaunted by challenges and seeks to find his own dreams and purpose. One of the biggest take-away of this drama for me is the message of discovering and prioritizing oneself. There is no timeline in doing so and the balance of integrating perspective of significant people around you without necessarily being swayed. It is not the cheesy romantic comedy type of drama. The casts portrayed their respective role naturally. I like how the story unfolded from the first episode till the end -- steady pace without the momentum stealing the spotlight off the story. Other themes were tackled in the drama cohesively and added depth to the story. One of my highly recommended drama!

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