South Korean history lesson

"Oasis" is a dark/noir drama series since it is set in the era of the dictator Chun that set up a concentration camp for "purificatory education". It shows workers/college student movements (represented by supporting character Lee Jeong Ok [Doo Hak's younger sister] and second lead character Choi Cheol Woong) in the 80s and the hideous government education camps (character Choi Cheol Woong experiences the abusive purifying education). The story includes movie theaters in the 80s where movies were so popular (represented by movie theater owners/movie producers character Cha Geum Ok and main female leading character Oh Jung Jin / Sophia in "Oasis"). Historically, some movies became the most entertaining films that are still regularly watched today. It also tells the story of a former slave/servant that does whatever his former master wants him to do, including giving up his second son. I am saddened when Abeoji Lee Joong Ho died (the main character Lee Doo Hak's father, a farmer and a former slave/servant). The scene is so harrowing when his wife, Eomma/Eomoni Jeom Am Daek (main character Lee Doo Hak's mother) sobbing aguishly when her husband died and during the funeral and funeral procession. "Oasis" is a mini series that is a gut-wrenching portrait of the parental sacrifice and the oldest son's filial piety, a complete obedience to his parents (represented by male character Lee Doo Hak). It also tells a story of a manipulative woman Kang Yeo Jin ( "Cheol Woong'mother") that will do unapologetically by any means necessary including lying that "her" son, Choi Cheol Woong is her former lover (Deputy Hwang Chung Seong)'s son, and uses Deputy Hwang Chung Seong to cover her deceit. it also shows the authoritarian leader of Deputy Hwang Chung Seong that has complete control over his subordinate Team Captain/Prosecutor Coordinator Oh Man Ok.

There are many fighting scenes and also when South Korean government forcefully clear low income housing areas, as a strategy to impress the international attention and build sporting facility for upcoming Olympics event in Seoul, South Korea. It tells the story of the main character and his new career as a contractor purchasing land from low income people and the mushrooming of high rise apartment buildings around the Olympics center.

I really like watching and waiting patiently for the next episodes of "Oasis" mini series. It has South Korean history lesson that is interesting and educational for me. The cast are wonderful, including lovely actress Seol In Ah (role Oh Jung Jin), solemnly performed by actor Jang Dong Yoon (role Lee Doo Hak), skillfully performed by actor Choo Young Woo (role Choi Cheol Woong), veteran actor Jeon Noh Min (role Deputy Hwang Chung Seong), veteran actor Kim Myung Soo (role Abeoji Lee Joong Ho), veteran actress So Hee Jung (role Jeom Am Daek), and most notably "Everyman warrior" actor Jin Yi Han (convincingly portrays role Villain Oh Man Ok). Watching "Oasis" can be depressing since it is a noir/dark drama series that has intricate plots and gruesome story during the dictator/dark times era.

I must say I am impressed with actor Choo Young Woo's performance in "Oasis" He is only in his early 20s and is able to deliver a solid complicated and hated character Choi Cheol Woong in "Oasis". He will be the next generation great actor. Also, it is worth noted that Actor Jin Yi Han really immerses himself in his role as a villain Oh Man Ok and he lost so much weight , 11 Kgs, for his role to look more "sinister" in "Oasis (2023)". Additionally his deep resonant voice and intense different facial expressions show he is an excellent actor and is able to deliver his thorough and fine performance.

I rate a 9 out of 10 for the mini series, I highly recommend watching "Oasis (2023). Enjoy the mini series.

Read More

Love Triangle and Signs from the Other

I just finished watching all 122 episodes and have been re-watching the series for more than half a dozen times from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the series because it tells us about how to live our lives to the fullest, and the meaning of families in our lives.

The wisdom and advice from Mr. Geum Jung-do to his adopted son (Dr. Han Seok-Hoon) and his three daughters (Geum Doo-na, Geum Seol-hwa, and Geum Se-na) are so meaningful and heartwarming. The phrases that Grandma Yoon uses also remind me of our elders when they describe the most basic rule of good manners. Also, "Golden Pouch" tells a story about Signs from the Other Side. Dr. Han Seok-Hoon's deceased Mom is sending signs to his son through Seol-hwa in the form of mandu/dumplings and embroidery pouch, including initial meeting between Dr. Han and Seol-hwa in the river in Namwon (the city where Dr. Han was born and almost drown in the river when he was six year old). The Signs from the Other Side are so vividly narrated throughout the series.

There is Love Triangle or rather three sided love triangle in "Golden Pouch". This K-drama series is so engaging and so memorable. Firstly, there is Dr. Han Seok-hoon's past relationship with Bae Min-hee, and secondly, both Dr. Han Seok-hoon and Yoon Joon-sang fall in love with Geum Seol-hwa. All lead characters have their own motivation, hopes, values and fears.

There is Bae Min-hee's ambitious motivation after Dr. Han rejects Min-hee when she wants to come back after she left Dr. Han when he loses his memory and cannot perform any surgeries due to his injury. Min-hee's "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" is so dreadful and horrifying to the end of the series.

For the audience, it seems that both Dr. Han Seok-hoon and Yoon Joon-sang are "perfect person" for Geum Seol-hwa. Seol-hwa has feeling for Dr. Han, but Seol-hwa's adopted mom, Kim Choo-ja, wants Seol-hwa to marry a perfect and flawless man, the son of the wealthy Yoon family. I find this unique love triangle story does not drag on too long, but is engaging. Will Seol-hwa choose the man that needs her (Dr. Han Seok-hoon) or the man that wants her (Yoon Joon-sang)?

Dr. Han Seok-hoon and Miss Geum Seol-hwa have excellent on-screen chemistry, one of the best I have ever seen, it is unrivalled by any other K-drama series. We really think they have been in love for centuries in “Golden Pouch”. I truly believe I am watching a true story rather than fictional K-drama series. Seol-hwa is so lovely. Dr. Han is so kind and never gives up on his patients, including his love of his life "patient", Seol-Hwa. He is really serious on his work in the surgical theater. Dr. Han and Geum Seol-hwa's love is so pure and genuine.

However, I find the ending of the “Golden Pouch” series is inconclusive and unsatisfactory. There is no wedding for Dr. Han and Ms. Geum Seol-hwa nor do the Yoon and Geum families eat dumplings at the Dumplings Shop to conclude the drama series. I would be profoundly delighted if you could produce a two-hour feature TV movie that starts with the wedding between Dr. Han Seok-hoon and Ms. Geum Seol-hwa and ends with Yoon and Geum families eating dumplings together at the Dumplings shop.

I truly hope for a happy ending for both Yoon and Geum families, and for Dr. Han and Ms. Geum, a match made in heaven.

Read More

Thoughtful and Princely Yi Geum/King Yeongjo

I really enjoyed watching "Haechi". It is showing realistic dramatization of history with so many intrigues and dirty politics. The Yi Geum/King Yeongjo character looks thoughtful and princely as well as noble and scholarly. The Yeo-ji character is so lovely as well. Both first leading characters, Yi Geum and Yeo-ji have a good on-screen chemistry. I do like watching "Haechi" as it is not about a king that already has an empress and many consorts and concubines but still falling in love with "a new girl in town" that have been portraying by so many historical K-drama series. I am hoping to see more of historical K-drama series that is realistic as this "Haechi".

Read More

A father is forever a father, but a mother saves the day

"Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" is really a good movie, it tells a story of an ordinary man, Heo Sam Gwan, that wants to marry the most beautiful woman, Heo Ok Ran, in the village. However, eleven years after they get married and have three sons, the rumor starts that he is not the father of his first born son, The heartbreaking story begins after it is confirmed that his first born son, Heo Il Rak, has a different blood type than his blood type. Heo Sam Gwan becomes enraged and ignores Il Rak and wants Il Rak to call him "Ajeossi" instead of "Abeoji". I do not want to tell the story, but all characters in the movie act and perform so well to deliver this heartwarming story. The young Nam Da Reum that portrays Heo Il Rak, interprets his character so well with Il Rak's quiet demeanor, and accepting the cold treatment from Sam Gwan. As usual Ha Ji Won that portrays Ok Ran and Ha Jung Woo that portrays Sam Gwan tell the story and take care of the loose ends beautifully. I would recommend "Chronicle of a Blood Merchant" without any hesitation.

Read More

Honesty and moral uprightness

"Brilliant Heritage" is a truly delightful Melodrama to watch. There is a heartwarming on-screen chemistry between comrade/guardian Mr. Boo Young Bae (actor Park In Hwan) and Miss Gong Gye Ok (actress Kang Se Jung). The respect that Mr. Boo shows to his comrade, Miss Gong, for her honesty and strong moral uprightness is so palpable like a father love to his new found daughter. The dance wearing hanbok at the wedding between Mr. Boo and Miss Gong is so entertaining and a pleasure to watch. However, the never ending squabbling between the first born son, Boo Baek Doo, and the second son, Boo Geum Kang, is so annoying and boring to watch. The original sound tracks are wonderful.

Actress Kang Se Jung is a very talented actress, she is a gem in this entertainment industry.

Read More

An Oedipus Complex Love ruins a heartwarming story.

In the beginning I really enjoy watching “A Good Supper” daily, it is very engaging. It really seems like watching a life story where they have crushes on their playmates while they are young, and crushes on their high school mates while they are growing up. Eventually painful break ups and an intense suffering of loving someone. The children and young adults (high school and college years) actors/actresses are great in showing all emotions. I also appreciate all the authentic Korean cuisines and dishes served on the program. The youngsters and their families eat supper every night at the diner. It is so touching to watch them eating supper together as a warm loving diner family. It is so heartwarming.

The story starts in a tiny diner that belongs to “Ajeossi” Gyung Soo (portrayed by Actor Jae Hee) when he decides to take in an 8-year-old youngster Kim Young Shin and raise the youngster. In this tiny town, the young orphan Kim Young Shin meets three other youngsters, Lee Da Jung, Jang Ok Bok, and Park Jung Hoon. These foursomes tell the story as they become playmates; the audience get to know their backgrounds, wishes, wants, characters and demeanors while they grow up from elementary school all the way to adulthood.

The story becomes compelling when a love triangle happens in high school, Lee Da Jung begins to fall in love with Park Jung Hoon after she learns that Park Jung Hoon (portrayed by Actor Kwon Hyuk) is going to medical school. However, Jung Hoon likes Kim Young Shin deeply; Young Shin is a very compassionate person and shows so much empathy to Jung Hoon.
After some time, Park Jung Hoon wants Young Shin (portrayed by Actress Jung Woo Yeo / Ryu Hyo Young) to come with him, but Young Shin is undecisive. Of course, Young Shin misses the train that takes Jung Hoon to another city to study medicine. She is crying forlornly at the train station missing Jung Hoon dearly.

The Actress Kang Da Hyun that portrays Da Jung performs so well in the subsequent episodes; she convincingly tells a story of Da Jung character that loving someone is a painful experience. It hurts her so much to see Jung Hoon cares about Young Shin. Da Jung becomes so obsessed to ruin and destroy Young Shin.

Eventually, Young Shin works as an intern in an authentic high end Korean Restaurant “Royal Palace”. The restaurant belongs to Chairman Kang Jong Gwon, he is very fond of Young Shin and wants to adopt her. Chairman Jong Gwon’s infectious smile brightens the small screen, his smiling facial expression is so contagious. His wife, Choi Sook Jung, and the rest of his family work at “Royal Palace”. The audience will notice that Sook Jung is the main evil character in the story, however, she is connected to Gyung Soo. Sook Jung (portrayed convincingly by classy Actress Kim Hye Ok) uses Da Jung as her tool to spread a rumor about Young Shin and “Ajeossi” Gyung Soo living together. The rumor becomes reality and triggers “Oedipus complex” love between “Ajeossi” Gyung Soo and Young Shin. Out of nowhere, suddenly “Ajeossi” Gyung Soo and Young Shin have romantic feeling for each other. It is really a sudden dramatic turn of events that I do not expect to happen.

A notable winner is Actor Han Jung Ho in "A Good Supper", he is worth mentioning. It is certainly not an easy task to act as a simple man Jang Yong Goo. Yong Goo’s unconditional love to the love of his life, Pil Sun, touches our heart. After Yong Goo is rebuffed by Pil Sun’s brother, we painfully notice him walking in the blooming cherry blossom park while repeating “I am 43, my name is Jang Yong Goo, I am a sane person”; that beautiful scenery has become very poignant as well as heartbreaking. That segment in episode 75 steals the show. I earnestly hope actor Han Jung Ho that portrays Yong Goo get a nomination for the Supporting Actor in a Soap Opera in 2021 MBC Drama Awards for "A Good Supper" and wins the Award.

Jung Hoon character is one of the lead characters, but he seems to appear as a supporting character and only has a brief period on the screen in each episode. After Young Shin has feeling for “Ajeossi” Gyung Soo, a compassionate/kind Young Shin becomes so cold toward Jung Hoon and ignores Jung Hoon completely. Usually, a character in a daily drama maintains a consistent demeanor regardless of the situations. Truthfully, it is a very uncharacteristic protagonist lead character of a daily drama.

It is so unfortunate that "A Good Supper" does not show the hardship of Jung Hoon medical school and internship training as well as his intense pain in loving Young Shin. I am sure it would give some flavor to the “monotonous moving in circle-go-round-and-round” story. I feel so much empathy for Jung Hoon. Jung Hoon is honest to say what he thinks about Da Jung and her bad intentions (even though all diner family want him to come back and date Da Jung) and dares to say in Gyung Soo’s face that the relationship between Young Shin and Gyung Soo makes Jung Hoon uncomfortable. I give ten-out-of-ten points for Jung Hoon’s honesty and his decisiveness, Jung Hoon is maintaining a consistent candor and decisive demeanor regardless of the situations he is facing. Jung Hoon shows his real love for the person he really cares about (Young Shin) and her best interest. It is so disappointing that the protagonist male lead Park Jung Hoon is cornered by Gyung Soo, Ok Bok and Da Jung regarding Jung Hoon’s love for Young Shin; Jung Hoon is said to be having unstable mental/irritable state.

I would give “A Good Supper” story an inflated “three out of ten” for the story, it is engaging in the beginning with heartwarming meals served daily, but the story becomes dull. I am not inclined to give any scores for re-watch value. Firstly, it is so troubling to re-watch a twenty-three-year-old Gyung Soo raises an eight-year-old youngster Young Shin, and later when “Ajeossi” Gyung Soo is 40-year-old and Young Shin is 25-year-old, they have romantic feeling for each other. In my opinion, there are social norms in society that provide us with an expected idea of how to behave in a particular social culture. It is not a sin, but it is a deviation from social norms and violates unwritten rules about what is acceptable in a particular society. Secondly, there is no “on-screen chemistry” whatsoever between “Ajeossi” Gyung Soo, and his protegee, Young Shin. They look like two lovely porcelain puppets put together on the stage. No palpable emotion nor tender feeling for each other.

The twist of events that a guardian is falling in love with his protégé is so alarming and makes me uncomfortable watching “A Good Supper”. I would urge MBC and other major broadcasting companies to put forth a summary that indicate a romantic relationship between a guardian and his/her adoptee so that the audience would be able to choose to watch or avoid this type of love story. Not everyone is comfortable with the love story between a guardian and his adoptee.

I am so displeased with the script of “A Good Supper”, the bad written script does not allow Young Shin character (Actress Jung Woo Yeo/Ryu Hyo Young) to perform a continuous engaging character. My humble opinion, the actress has a difficult time to interpret how to act in a tender loving romantic relationship with her “Ajeossi”. I decide to watch “A Good Supper” because I like the actress Jung Woo Yeo/Ryu Hyo Young in “Golden Pouch”. She is fun to watch and really engaging from episode 1 to episode 122 in “Golden Pouch”, her creative acting performance is exceptional in showing the different phases of Geum Seol Hwa emotion. I hope actress Jung Woo Yeo/Ryu Hyong Young will find many good scripts in the future and bloom in her acting performance. I miss that spunky lively “Geum Seol Hwa” with long powerful dialogues that actress Jung Woo Yeo/Ryu Hyo Young convincingly portrays in “Golden Pouch".

Lastly, I find almost all Korean actresses and actors act very well either in a small or big screen. Good actors/actresses can create the sense of occasion; however, veteran actor Jae Hee cannot make a difference in creating any sense of occasion in “A Good Supper”. I shudder as I watch the lead male protagonist’s dismal performance. Jae Hee’s performance is truly monotone. Gyung Soo’s facial expressions, (either glaring with hostility or smiling sweetly or looking longingly) and his body language are laughable. A very lifeless performance by experienced actor Jae Hee. I would give an inflated “one out of ten” for his performance.

Read More

A beautiful but heartbreaking historical drama.

I really like watching “The King’s Face”, a historical drama based on the actual historical figure and life of Prince GwangHae that became King GwangHae (1608-1623). “The King’s Face” has romance, palace intrigues and political issues interwoven that make the story is so engaging and entertaining. The actor Seo In Guk and actress Jo Yoon Hee are both so attractive and fun to watch in portraying teenage Prince GwangHae and Kim Ga Hee. Both make the beginning of the story so interesting, and their interpretation of adolescent compassionate Prince Gwanghae and tomboy Kim Ga Hee, is so convincing and makes the story fascinating.

I notice Crown Prince Gwanghae becomes a man during Imjin War and actor Seo In Guk’s performance grows into his character as well. The story is getting sadder and sadder as King Seon Jo is so envious of his son, Crown Prince GwangHae, that has a King’s Face. To make the matter worse for Prince GwangHae, Professor Go San, the palace physiognomy, advice King Seon Jo to take Kim Ga Hee as his concubine to improve King Seon Jo’s facial characteristics and become a sage king. It is truly a heart wrenching moment watching the episode when Crown Prince GwangHae realizes it for the first time that Kim Ga Hee is King Seon Jo’s Court Lady.

There is an ambitiously smart but vile character in the story, Physiognomist Kim Do Chi, that uses his physiognomy skills to fulfill his dream to capture the throne. The actor, Shin Sung Rok, portrays Kim Do Chi convincingly and accomplishes as the most hateful character. The sword fight between Kim Do Chi and Crown Prince GwangHae is a beautiful choreography.
I cannot get enough of Eunuch Song, his character works as a catalyst between the King and his Crown Prince. Eunuch Song’s appearance always makes the story less sad as the character’s word of wisdom are a soothing. Actress Kim Gyu Ri that plays as Concubine Gwi In Kim is worth mentioning, her portrayal as a driven Concubine to seat her son, Prince Shin Sung, to become Crown Prince is compelling indeed.

“The King’s Face” is a beautiful but poignant story. It is not a love-dovey K-drama series, but a historical political story. I wish “The King’s Face” would not have an open ending story that ends in episode 23. I would give a ten-out-of-ten for the story, acting, and the original soundtracks. I love the ballad songs and their music that continuously enhancing the scenes in the series. It is worthy to watch and re-watch. The film scenography is beautiful especially the one in the reed field when Prince GwangHae is running after Kim Ga Hee. Whenever Prince/Crown Prince GwangHae embraces Kim Ga Hee, I do not want the scene to end. It is so heartwarming and heart wrenching scene on the same time.

Read More

A beautiful story that can be expanded to a beautiful weekend Kdrama series.

I really love this love story between a mail-order-bride, Lena, and her green tea farmer husband, Soon Goo. The story starts when Lena, a Korean Russian born woman, accepts an offer to be a-mail-order-bride and flies to Korea. However, she is not honest in answering a questionnaire about her health; she only wants to go to Korea to bury her deceased parents in their homeland, Korea. The parents were transported to Russia by Japanese before or during the World War II and worked in the coal mines. Also, it seems that Lena second intention is to die in Korea due to her terminal illness without any expectation about her future life with her husband.

However, Soon Goo, her green tea farmer husband is an honest man and is eager to please and learn to love Lena earnestly. He encourages Lena to go to Cultural Center and learn about Korea. Soon Goo teaches Lena how to properly drink green tea and supports Lena wholeheartedly to learn photography from a traveling well-known photographer, Han Seong.

The interaction between Ajeossi Soon Goo is awkward in the beginning, as Soon Goo is trying hard to welcome Lena. Lena is at ease knowing Soon Goo genuinely wants Lena to feel welcome in Korea and accept Soon Goo as her husband. I like watching the uneasy interaction between these two lovely individuals that tells the story of the initial encounter between a husband and his mail-order-bride, it is so touching.

After Soon Goo knows about Lena’s terminal illness, he tries very hard to help Lena gets proper treatments with no regret. I would say the ending is open ended, however, my conclusion for the ending is that Lena survives the surgery since we are shown Soon Goo smiling brightly at the end of the film.

The film cinematography is breathtaking, the photography is remarkable, and the tea plantation scenery is breathtaking. I really love this movie and recommend “Dear Lena” wholeheartedly. I give ten-out-ten for the story, and I wish the story can be expanded and make into a weekend Kdrama Series.

Read More

A “Dark/Noir” Medical Drama

I am surprised that I am enjoying watching “Cross”. The surgical scenes involving cutting into and working inside a patient’s body in the hospital operating theater are convincing and not too frightening to watch. I am not very fond of any dark/noir story; however, I decide to watch “Cross” because the “method” actor Jin Yi Han/Kim Ji Han is on this drama.

The story involves illegal organ harvesting and trafficking. It is rather an eye opener for naïve people, how cruel the illegal organ business is.

In the beginning episodes, Actor Go Kyung Pyo as Dr. Kang In Kyu with his cold and unfriendly stare appear to be unnatural. He seems to be hesitant in interpreting his character, but he grows into his character and his stare softens when he is dealing with dying patients. His performance is engaging when he is showing his gentle side.

Both female lead characters, Dr. Go Ji In (actress Jeon So Min) and Dr. Son Yeon Hee (actress Yang Jin Sung) make “Cross” drama lighter with their bright smiles. Their appearance is a welcome and brighten this dark/noir drama.

As always, Heo Sung Tae does not disappoints portraying a ringleader in this illegal organ harvesting and trafficking, Kim Hyung Beom. He accomplishes his interpretation as the evil character that I dislike passionately.

I am unhappy to see character Dr. Go Jung Hoon (Portrayed by Actor Jo Jae Hyun) is eliminated in the middle of the drama series. He is a fine actor. Dr. Go works as a catalyst in the story; he is an authentic, benevolent, and empathic doctor that sticks to his principles and moral values.

However, when Dr. Go Jung Hoon is killed, character Dr. Lee Joo Hyuk (portrayed by actor Jin Yi Han/Kim Yi Han) appears more in the subsequent episodes, and he seems to be taking over the catalyst personality and moves the story forward. Dr. Lee’s coconut bob haircut seems to indicate that he is a rebellious and righteous son that always disagrees with his weak doctor father regarding medical ethical matters. It is a delight to watch actor Jin Yi Han in “Cross”.

The mutually collegial respect between Dr. Kang In Kyu and Dr. Lee Joo Hyuk with their own personal goal and need tie the loose ends in the last four episodes that conclude the drama.

Read More

What a waste

"Doctor John' starts with a bang and interesting first episode, however it goes downhill after the main female lead character, second year resident Dr. Kang Shi-young, falls madly in love with the male lead character, professor/attending Dr. Cha Yo-han. As a second year resident in a very demanding pain anesthesiology program, it is unlikely that she would have so much time running after (almost like stalking) her professor/attending at work or after work. I bet all residents that are doing residency wish their life is as easy as this second year resident. The scrip is not well written. Also, there are too many long "love scenes" that become too annoying and boring. I tolerated watching "Doctor John" because my significant other liked the lead female character and enjoyed the long "love scenes". I respect his preference.

Read More

Sadly ending of a majectic tiger and the extinction of tigers in Korea

"The Tiger" is a beautiful movie with amazing cinematography with Mt. Jirisan as its "spine" of movie theme. The character Cheon Man Deok (portrayed by actor Choi Min Shik) is a tiger hunter that killed a tigress, however, he saved the tigress' two cubs and let the forest take care of its cubs. One cub died and the one eye cub lived and grew up to be the majestic tiger that roams Mt. Jirisan. I do not want to tell this sad story about the extinction of tigers due to over hunting. I would recommend to watch the movie to be mindful and to educate us to stop hunting that include their preys to preserve tigers, a key role in the conservation strategies of tigers.

Read More

War Trauma

I was hesitant to watch any war movies, but I started watching "The Front Line" movie out of curiosity. The story was attention grabbing with strong performance by all actors, budding actors and/or veteran actors across the whole generation spectrum. To say the least, I could not stop watching it until the end.

I am not going to tell the story but I would just say that the movie tells the story so vividly that generals or leaders from both North and South Korea decide to start a battle or a truce/ceasefire but the ground troops are the ones that have to deal with the casualty of war or death. The war itself is the enemy of any soldiers. The war scenes are so terrifying and dire to say the least. Each individual soldier experiences war trauma and also each one of them uses their own defense mechanism to deal with their own trauma.

There is a scene that is so heartwarming when character Kim Soo Hyuk (portrayed by Go Soo so convincingly) saw a snapshot of character Cha Tae Kyung and says "I am going to marry this girl" . It makes our hearts flutter because he keeps on looking at the picture so tenderly. But destiny and fate cannot be predicted and determined. There is a brutal scene where the platoon led by Soo Hyuk literally sacrifices a young new enlisted teenager to be shot by the sniper, almost like a sacrificial giving, so that Soo Hyuk could pinpoint the location of the sniper.

In my humble opinion, character Kang Eun Pyo (portrayed by Shin Ha Kyun) should have shot the female sniper Cha Tae Kyung (portrayed by Kim Ok Bin) when he knew he should do it, but he let the pretty and wounded sniper go. At the end, Eun Pyo is so pitiful and sorry that his inaction causes his college friend to be shot by the sniper.

I would give an eight out of ten overall because I cannot stomach to re-watch it, but I definitely give a ten out of ten for the performance by actors.

Read More

Time Will Heal All Wounds

The screenwriter So Hyun Kyung does a good job and she delivers and writes a beautiful story; "My Golden Life" covers mental health issues and the gift of giving. I am not going to tell the story, but it is a lovely storytelling Kdrama to watch with strong performance by the lead actress Shin Hae Sun and actor Park Shi Hoo.

The main female character, Seo Ji Ahn (portrayed by actress Shin Hae Sun) is a struggling part-time employee and intern that has an on-and-off love relationship with the third generation conglomerate Choi Do Gyung (portrayed by Park Shi Hoo). Do Gyung exudes strongly a third generation chaebol character that was born with a silver spoon in his mouth flawlessly. I cannot imagine other actress or actor to play these two leading female and male characters. They look good together on-screen and convincingly interpret their characters; they show their raw emotion and inner turmoil so well. The audience will be able to palpate Ji Ahn depression and her will to get back on her feet again. Also, the audience is able to feel the will of Do Gyung to be worthy of Ji Ahn's love.

I do not see any on-screen chemistry between the other leading characters Sun Woo Hyuk (portrayed by Lee Tae Hwan) and Seo Ji Soo (portrayed by Seo Eun Soo). Woo Hyuk seems to be not interested in the lovely Ji Soo from the beginning to the end. Woo Hyuk did so well in the initial episodes when the character runs away from adoring Ji Soo, but he has a hard time to interpret the character Woo Hyuk that is in love with Ji Soo in the subsequent episodes. His expression does not show any inclination toward loving Ji Soo. He tries hard but does not deliver.

I really enjoy the secondary supporting characters Seo Ji Ho (portrayed by Shin Hyun Soo) and Choi Seo Hyun (portrayed by Lee Da In), they almost steal the show. However, the strong performance by actress Shin Hae Sun and actor Park Shi Hoo save the day and our focus is still glued to the painful Ji Ahn and Do Gyung on-and-off love story.

I find the character Seo Ji Tae is made for actor Lee Tae Sung, the actor fits so well to play as the first son of Seo family and an Oppa/Hyeong to his siblings. I do like these following characters , firstly, Kim Ki Jae [Do Gyung's best friend) character, he is truly a devil advocate friend of Do Gyung; secondly, Lee Yong Gook [Dorm owner] character is a guardian angel for Do Gyung; last but not least, Secretary Yoo [Do Kyung's secretary] is a real soul mate of Do Gyung. These three friends are always there to guide and comfort Do Gyung through his "angst". Salute to actors Kim Sa Kwon, Kim Sung Hoon and Lee Gyu Bok that work as catalysts in this wonderful story and keep the story going.

As usual all the veteran actors Chun Ho Jin and Jeon Noh Min and actresses Kim Hye Ok and Na Young Hee show strong performance as the parents of Ji Ahn and Do Gyung. However, when Seo Tae Soo (portrayed by the great Chun Ho Jin) is angry and depressed, and lives in his parent' hometown, it feels like he is throwing tantrums. But Seo Tae Soo comes back strong when he saves Choi Do Gyung and his company. He works as a catalyst to keep the story moving. The original sounds tracks are excellent and I would give a nine-out-of-ten for "My Golden Life". I am incline to give a five-out-of-ten for re-watch value because "My Golden Life" is a storytelling Kdrama and re-watching it may diminish the charm of the story. But do not take my word for it.

Read More

Animal welfare guidelines

"Mom Has an Affair" has a good story line, however, it lacks on-screen chemistry between the male leading actor and the female leading actress that portray Kang Seok Jun (actor Lee Jae-Hwang ) and Oh Pil Jung (actress Hyun Jyu-Ni). There is no intense eye-contact between these two leading characters. The sweet on-screen chemistry develops between the second leading characters, Oh Sun Jung (actress Nam I-An) and Lee Tae Woo (actor Seo Hyun-Suk), they steal and save the show. Also, the tender heart character Chief Surgeon Choi Dong-Seok (actor Kim Dong-Gyun) helps catalyzing the story line when it is needed.

It is heart wrenching to watch Leon/Jumbak, the pet dog looks so lethargic for the whole 122 episodes. I just hope the “humane” Animal welfare guidelines are followed by the studio that produced "Mom Has an Affair". Leon becomes a lifeless ornament in the show, it is distressing to watch.

Read More

Scholar/Warrior TalTal steals the show

Empress Ki is one of the best historical K-drama series and stunning scenery cinematography and also extraordinary costumes.
The dramatic impressive performance by Sungnyang (Ms. Ha Ji-won) when she is giving birth to her first born son is profoundly significant.
Also the horrific end of Tanashiri "Danashiri" (Ms. Baek Jin-hee) is remarkable. Ms. Baek Jin-hee performance in the episode 38 is indeed compelling.
Batoru "Yeon Bi Su" (Ms. Yoo In Young)'s appearance is eye catching and so striking. She has that unique/exotic look that melts your young heart.
I love the student-teacher on-screen chemistry between Sungnyang (Ms. Ha Ji-won) and charismatic TalTal (Mr. Jin Yi-han) in Empress Ki. Scholar/Warrior TalTal steals the show.

Read More