Annyeong Kimchi Land

KDRAMA REVIEW | Big Mouth

Big Mouth is a 2022 South Korean television series starring Lee Jong-suk, Im Yoon-ah, and Kim Joo-hun.

Title: Big Mouth

Hangul: 빅마우스

Genre(s): Hardboiled, Noir, Legal, Crime

Episodes: 16

Duration: 70 minutes

Release Date: July 29 – September 17, 2022

Network: MBC TV

The series tells the story of an underperforming lawyer who gets caught up in a murder case. In order to survive and protect his family, he digs into a huge conspiracy among the privileged upper classes.

Big Mouse is fueled with mindboggling storyline, unpredictable plot, and impressive performances from the cast. It was like a huge maze that will confuse you but at the same time it will keep you guessing while toying with your emotions. The whole series was wrapped with high-octane scenes. The explosive twists and turn of events will have you on the edge of your seat. It has all it takes to be the best, unfortunately, it unravels an anti-climactic ending. It was filled with inconsistency, the story was wrapped up in a hurried and lousy manner, and there are too many plot holes. It left a lot to be desired. An intriguing slow burn thriller that failed to tie up all lose ends. In spite of that, Big Mouth is a gripping show that will pique your interest until the very end.

At the beginning, Big Mouth is wearing a full gear ready to battle to be one of the best thrilling KDramas of all time. Unfortunately, it failed to do so. It started really strong. It has all it takes to be one of the best. I love how the story was laid out in the beginning. It was intense. It will truly engross you every second of it. It was indeed unpredictable. You won’t have any idea where the story was going. It will send you to a turbulent of emotions. The show itself is like a puzzle. You will try so hard to find the correct pieces to suffice the central mystery. Watching this show is also like becoming a mouse escaping a confusing maze. You will take part of the story. It was indeed immersive. That’s why I have high expectations about this drama. Don’t get me wrong. Big Mouth was still a good watch, its just that the plot holes and inconsistencies overshadowed the positive points of this show.

From left to right: **Kim Joo-hun** *(Choi Do-ha),* **Im Yoon-ah** *(Ko Mi-ho),* **Lee Jong-suk** *(Park Chang-ho),* **Yang Ok Ja-yeon** *(Hyun Ju-hee),* and **Yang Kyung-won** *(Gong Ji-hoon).*

One of the strongest suits of Big Mouse is its stellar cast. Every each of them did good job in their respective roles. Let’s talk about the actors that deserves honorable mention. Let’s start with Im Yoon-ah. She did so well. I love how subtle her role was and when it was time for her to shine, she become unstoppable. There are moments were she totally stole the show. I know that she has a lot more to offer. Yang Kyung-won is indeed one of the reasons why this show became more fun to watch. The way he lend comedic relief to the dark tones of the show is impressive. He proved that he is not only a great with comedy, he also showed his potential in this kind of genre. He balanced the heavy aspect of the show. Kim Joo-hun is without a doubt an effective antagonist. His character was well written and he performed really well. He is so good to the extent that he will also deceive you. He add flavor to the plot. And lastly…

Lee Jong-suk’s comeback is truly worth the wait. If the discussion is about range in acting, he should really be part of it. I think, everyone would agree that Big Mouth is his series. He is the highlight of the show. He embodied the character of Park Chang-ho so well. His versatility is unquestionable. The way his character shifts from being bright to someone filled with darkness is just brilliant. You can really see the distinction of his portrayal for the character of the lame Chang-ho and fiery Big Mouse. From the mannerisms alone, you can say that he knows what he is doing. He can make your heart flutter, at the same time, he can send shivers down to your spine. His performance was believable. There are times when I am in awe from his acting. I never thought that he can be this great!

Like what I’ve said earlier, this drama is indeed worth-watching. Its just that it left a lot to be desired. There are still a lot of questions left to be answered. My main concern lies with Mi-ho’s death. I don’t know what is the significance of her death. The plot will still remain as is even if she was alive. Did they only do that for the dramatic blow? I am quite disappointed because it started really promising. It stumbled really hard towards the end and it was unable to find the right path. I just hope that they tied up the story more neatly. It was shining so bright at first then it suddenly dims in the end. Nonetheless, Big Mouth succeeds in giving the viewers an engrossing entertainment. I would still recommend it.

Rating: 3.5/5

KDRAMA REVIEW | The Glory (Part 1)

The Glory is a South Korean streaming television series. Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, Yeom Hye-ran, Park Sung-hoon, and Jung Sung-il round out the ensemble cast.

Title: The Glory

Hangul: 더 글로리

Genre(s): Revenge, Thriller

Episodes: 8 (as of December 30, 2022)

Duration: 50 minutes

Release Date: December 30, 2022

Network: Netflix

A former victim of school violence seeks revenge on her bullies after taking up a job as a homeroom teacher at the elementary school of the bully’s child.

The Glory is without a doubt a one of a kind revenge drama. With its notable gritty visual tone and no-holds-barred approach, this is the only KDrama of its genre that will make your flesh creep with terror you cannot express. It was heavily equipped with fine work of writing, mind-blowing performances, top notch production, brilliant screenplay, and edifying lessons. The explosive twists and turns will have you breathless at the edge of your seat. This is a meaningful and thought-provoking drama wrapped in a spine-tingling wrath. It will tug at your deepest emotions while being ruthless for telling an epic tale of dark, gruesome, and deeply unnerving story. It was both disturbing and viscerally affecting. It has depth. The Glory is on its way to be hailed as the best revenge KDrama of all time!

This drama is beyond thrilling. It took entertainment to a higher level! Right from the beginning, you will compulsively watch it. Every second of it should not be missed. When I read the premise of the story, a smile on my face was drawn. This is the kind of story that should be introduced to the world. It was not only entertaining but at the same time it has an essence. It does not only provide you with satisfying thrills but it will also open your eyes to the brutal truth of the real world. This is only one of the very few Korean dramas that was made with so much passion. I could feel how everyone involved in this show poured their hearts and souls. It did not only served revenge cold but it also served it with creeping horror on the side. What’s creepier is that it happens in real life. And this is where my admiration for this body of work comes from. The Glory had the guts to disturb the minds of the bullies. Hopefully, this drama will end up providing comfort to those who were targets of unjust and violent crimes of bullying.

*From left to right:* **Park Sung-hoon** *(Jeon Jae-joon*), **Lim Ji-yeon** *(Park Yeon-jin),* **Lee Do-hyun** *(Joo Yeo-jeong),* **Song Hye-kyo** *(Moon Dong-eun),* **Yeom Hye-ran** *(Kang Hyeon-nam),* and **Jung Sung-il** *(Ha Do-yeong).*

One of the greatest aspects of this drama is its stellar ensemble cast. Ranging from caliber actors to promising ones—everyone did tremendous jobs in portraying their individual roles. Each of them contributed in making this series one you should not missed. Their efforts made The Glory a gripping watch. Let me mention some of the actors that caught my attention. Lee Do-hyun is one of the actors that we should truly watch for. He is known to the fans as someone who is charming and in this drama, he showed everyone a new side of him. He is really effective when doing romantic scenes. No doubt, he can make the viewers’ hearts flutter in an instant but seeing a glimpse of his dark performance in Part 1 will make you skip a beat. I can’t wait to see more of his portrayal in the second part. He is indeed promising! Yeom Hye-ran is undeniably a breath of fresh air in this suffocating TV series. She showed her range effortlessly. That’s how an amazing actress she is. Her being a seasoned actress is an understatement. She can pull off all kinds of characters and genre and that makes her worthy of a spot in the industry. She always gives a smart performance and for that, may her career flourish even more. The actor who portrayed the young version of Dong-eun also did an impressive job. Jung Ji-so‘s portrayal of the young version of Dong-eun is one of the most moving performances that I have ever seen. She made it believable to the extent that I forgot that I am watching a TV series. She made us feel her pain. She made us root for her revenge. Her stirring performance is the foundation of this drama. Good job! And lastly, let’s pay tribute to the actress who brought the house down…

The most electrifying comeback of all time! She came back with the most powerful performance. Song Hye-kyo walked and left the whole house crumbling in fire. No other actress can pull off such moving and brilliant portrayal. It’s like you are watching an artist unleash her full potential to a higher level. Who would have thought that Song Hye-kyo can do such nerve-wracking performance? There is no doubt that she is one of the best actresses in South Korea but this time she proved that she’s on top of that list. Her nuanced portrayal of Moon Dong-eun is indeed unforgettable. The way she brought Dong-eun to life is extremely breathtaking. She intricately executed her performance with brilliance. The way she performed Dong-eun‘s intensity by being as still as a calm pond to a roaring thunder was excellent. She was able to pull you into the world of her character. You will weep and bleed together. You will be part of her journey. Her eyes can speak to your soul. Her performance was undeniably moving. You will feel her. This is one of the most spine-tingling performances by a lead actress that I have ever seen. This is her grandest performance to date!

After a long time, there’s finally a Korean drama that will bring back the excitement to our hearts. It’s been so long since I felt this captivated from watching KDramas. It never had dull moments. It was perfect from all its aspects. I am deeply surprised by this show. I am astonished that it would make me feel emotions that I never thought I would feel. It was sincerely moving. I feel like I am part of the story. I am curious how Part 2 will match the intensity of the Part 1. There are more harm to be inflicted, secrets to be unveiled, blood to shed, and revenge to be fulfilled. Watching the special trailer for Part 2, I know that it will become crazier and invigorating. No gods can save them from Dong-eun‘s rage. This is the revenge drama that you will root for!

The musical scoring of this drama is commendable. It was not overdone. Everything was done so smoothly. It adds intensity to the scenes. It provides additional flavor and it enhances the mood of the scenarios. The official soundtrack of the series was subtle yet heartfelt. The songs used will strike you straight to the heart. My favorite is the opening song, Until The End by Kelley Mcrae. It has a painful aspect to it and it really encapsulate the tragedy and dilemma that our main protagonist has been dealing for. Here’s the link to the OST:

Rating: 4.5/5

KDRAMA REVIEW | Eve

Eve is a South Korean television series starring Seo Yea-ji, Park Byung-eun, Yoo Sun, and Lee Sang-yeob.

Title: Eve

Hangul: 이브

Genre(s): Melodrama, Revenge

Episodes: 16

Duration: 60 minutes

Release Date: June 1 – July 21, 2022

Network: tvN

Eve tells the story of a chaebol family ₩2 trillion divorce lawsuit that shocks the entire nation, of which, at the center of the lawsuit is Lee La-el (Seo Yea-ji), the daughter of the chaebol family.

Eve is like an evening: stellar, dark, and sorrowful. A gripping series armed with stirring plot, striking twists and turns, commendable acting, lavish production, and palpable musical scoring. Revenge was never been this mercilessly enraging! If others served revenge in a cold manner, Eve served it hot! It will catch your attention from start to finish. Intense is an understatement. Honestly, it started with the loudest bang. It had all it takes to be one of the best, unfortunately, it stumbled along its way to the end. Nonetheless, it served a tension-inducing dish of bittersweet revenge in an extravagant platter.

Intense and intoxicating. These words perfectly describes Eve. This show astonished me because it totally had me at the edge of my seat. The tension in the series is extremely visceral to the extent that it will end up suffocating and drowning you. Straight from the beginning, I was really rooting for this drama. Honestly, it gave me feelings that I never felt in the longest time in a revenge drama. What I really admire about this series is that it was indeed affecting. It has the ability to make the viewers be part of the show. That’s why I am sad that in the end, they lost their way to the right path. Nevertheless, Eve gave the audience a thrilling entertainment.

***From left to right:*** **Lee Sang-yeob** *(Seo Eun-pyung),* **Seo Yea-ji** *(Lee La-el/Kim Sun-bin),* **Park Byung-eun** *(Kang Yoon-gyeom)* and **Yoo Sun** *(Han So-ra)*

The cast of Eve complemented the strong storyline. If the plot will send you to a whirlwind of emotions, the actors in this series will bring those emotions to another level. Park Byung-eun gave a subtle performance. Maybe it was the requirement for his character. Nonetheless, it was still quite good. I don’t know if other viewers will find my comment about him as disrespect but I think that they could have a better job at casting his role. One of the factors why Eve fell flat was because of their decision in making Lee Sang-yeob‘s character a mere spectator. I feel like they did not use him into his maximum capacity. At first, his character felt like has a huge contribution to the story but after that, he was no where to be found. You can read more about this below. Yoo Sun is undoubtedly the dark horse of the show. She emerge to be one of the people (Seo Yea-ji) who carried the whole series. She did her assignment! She was so good in her craft. Every time she’s having a meltdown, I am just in awe. Speechless. It was extremely effective to the extent that I forgot that I was watching a fictional show. She totally surprised me with her range. Hands down to this woman. And lastly…

**Seo Yea-ji** as ***Lee La-el/Kim Sun-bin***

Seo Yea-ji’s comeback is indeed remarkable. The controversies and scandals that she had been through were not a joke. A lot of people tried so hard to drag her down but she proved them all wrong. She came back with vengeance. She made an impressive comeback. You can’t deny the fact that Seo Yea-ji is indeed in her element when she’s part of dramas with this genre. I think, it is safe to say that this is one of her greatest performances to date. Her performance here was done with fiery passion. Her eyes can make you feel hundreds of emotions. Her voice alone can give you goosebumps. She carried the show behind her back. She seduced everyone with her sultry acting and she is unapologetic about it. She finally reclaimed her spot in the industry!

No doubt, Eve really started in the most impactful way. I was at the edge of my seat during the first half. It’s just sad that it stumbled at some aspects. My main concern has something to do with Lee Sang-yeob. I feel like he was robbed in this series. With the caliber of this actor, I honestly think that he don’t deserve such treatment. His role only got a short screen time. I even think that the writers did not utilize his character that well. I already saw some of his filmography and I know for a fact that this is not the billing that he deserve. I am also having a mixed-emotions on how the story turned out. I felt that it was dragged out towards the ending. I just hope that they stick with the main theme of the drama which is revenge. Admit it or not, Eve was on its peak when Lee La-el is living up to her promise to take down the chaebol family. Nonetheless, it still succeeded in giving us a blood-boiling and exhilarating experience.

One of the strongest suits of this drama is its pitch-perfect musical scoring. It was done so well! This drama is only one of those series that has such excellent aspect. The musical scoring is indeed effective in making the audience feel what the characters are going through. Even if there are no dialogues at all, the musical scoring alone can move you. I also love the songs that were used in this show. My favorite among them all is Kim Ye-ji’s Hold Me Tight. That song is giving badass vibe! Here’s the link to the full album for listening pleasure:

“If you don’t see what’s behind the beauty, you cannot face the truth of life.”

Rating: 3.5/5

KDRAMA REVIEW | Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a 2022 South Korean television series starring Park Eun-bin in the title role, along with Kang Tae-oh and Kang Ki-young.

Title: Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Hangul: 이상한 변호사 우영우

Genre(s): Legal drama

Episodes: 16

Duration: 70 minutes

Release Date: June 29 – August 18, 2022

Network: ENA

Extraordinary Attorney Woo tells the story of Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), an autistic lawyer, working at a large law firm. Attorney Woo has eidetic memory that makes her a brilliant lawyer as she is able to recall laws to refute the opposing lawyer’s claims and build strong arguments to support her cases. Being different from neurotypical peers, her manner of communication is initially seen by the majority as odd and awkward and her strong emotional intelligence remains unrecognized.

The show consistently tries to break down the commonly held misconceptions of autistic people lacking ‘social skills’ and ‘emotional intelligence.’ Instead it dives deeply into the struggles that neurotypical people face in dealing with someone who is highly intelligent but also disabled due to sensory issues and communication differences, and in accepting a way of being that falls outside of recognized social conventions of appropriate behavior and relationships. Woo Young-woo’s emotional insights touch many people deeply. The show develops all characters including Attorney Woo as struggling human beings and is exceptional in its portrayal of a kinder and gentler society moving towards encompassing difference.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo lived up to its name—an extraordinary special drama that truly delivered a sense of fulfillment! It was a mixed bag of heart soothing moments, amusing comedy, and gripping scenes. It has what it takes to make you feel good and smile from ear to ear. This show delicately and cautiously handled a very sensitive subject. It is indeed one of the very few Korean dramas paving the way for inclusivity and representation. An eye-opening experience that speaks volume, raises awareness, and brings hope. This TV series brought a refreshing take on this genre. One of a kind! It redefined the definition of a legal drama!

If there are two words that will perfectly describe this show, I think it would be new and refreshing. Extraordinary Attorney Woo introduced a refreshing perspective on legal drama! The story was structured with engaging quality that will keep you glued from start to finish. This show will send you to a whirlwind of emotions. It will pull at your heartstring while imparting an important lesson. It was indeed highly enjoyable. I am truly happy with the news that it was renewed for a new season!

***From left to right:*** **Joo Hyun-young** *(Dong Geu-ra-mi),* **Kang Tae-oh** *(Lee Jun-ho),* **Joo Jong-hyuk** *(Kwon Min-woo),* **Park Eun-bin** *(Woo Young-woo),* **Ha Yoon-kyung** *(Choi Su-yeon),* and **Kang Ki-young** (*Jung Myung-seok).*

The compelling cast of Extraordinary Attorney Woo played a huge role in making it a show that you shouldn’t missed! Their chemistry was on point. The characters were well-defined and likeable. Kang Tae-oh’s character, Lee Jun-ho, is indeed one of the best male characters that I have ever seen in a Korean drama. He is a walking green flag. The way he portrayed his character sent butterflies to my stomach. Lee Jun-ho was written really great and Kang Tae-oh was able to complement it through his effective acting. I won’t be surprise if his career will flourish after this drama. Kang Ki-young is not a new face when it comes to KDramas. In fact, I’ve already seen him in many shows but this is the first time that he took on a main role. What I really like about him is that he did not disappoint. He portrayed the character of Jung Myung-seok effortlessly. His long experience in acting really paid off. As a long-time fan of Korean dramas, this is indeed an answered prayer! Now, let’s talk about the star of the show:

Park Eun-bin as Woo Young-woo

Park Eun-bin truly pulled off such an amazing and convincing portrayal as Woo Young-woo! She brought the whole show behind her back. She is definitely the pillar of the whole show. Without her, I don’t think Extraordinary Attorney Woo would be this fascinating. I know that taking on this role is never easy. She performed with utmost sensitivity. Even her nuances and quirks are effective. She encapsulated the characteristics of a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It may not be a perfect portrayal but she did a great job. She has done such a challenging role and she has done it flawlessly. She took the risk so that we can have this once in a lifetime experience and for that, she deserve to be applauded. With her performance as Woo Young-woo, there is no doubt that she will be nominated for the Best Actress category!

[SPOILER ALERT]

Among all the cases that were showcased in this show, I personally think that Episode 9’s “The Pied Piper” stood out. It made me smile to the fullest and it also made me think about life. The lesson that they conveyed was eloquently portrayed. Children should be given the chance to enjoy life as children because it is their rights. This is an impactful episode because in South Korea, this kind of system exists. Children are forced to study. These children are being robbed of their life. Instead of enjoying the rainbow-colored skies and spright sunshine, they are locked and confined in their academies. I hope that this episode will open the eyes of many people. Stop rushing children through their childhood. Let children be children.

[END OF SPOILER]

If I am not mistaken, Extraordinary Attorney Woo did not use that much of songs throughout the run but whenever they use one, it always does wonders! The songs featured in this drama are indeed tender and soothing. My most favorite is Sunwoo Jung-a’s “Beyond My Dreams.” This song is like a magical lullaby in my ears. Whenever I hear this song, I feel like I am in cloud nine. It makes me feel at ease. Here’s the link to the Official Soundtrack:

“Though my life is unusual and peculiar, it’s valuable and beautiful.”

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

KDRAMA REVIEW | Our Blues

Our Blues is a 2022 South Korean television series starring Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Lee Jung-eun, Uhm Jung-hwa, Han Ji-min, and Kim Woo-bin.

Title: Our Blues

Hangul: 우리들의 블루스

Genre(s): Drama

Episodes: 20

Duration: 60 minutes

Release Date: April 9, 2022 – June 12, 2022

Network: tvN

The series revolves around the sweet and bitter life of people standing at the end, climax, or beginning of life, and depicts their stories in an omnibus format against the backdrop of Jeju Island.

Our Blues is a well-structured masterpiece accomplished in a rewarding and healing manner! It was intricately woven with multifaceted storyline, irresistibly gripping plot, finest work of writing, topnotch production, high caliber performances from the powerhouse cast, and topped with profound lessons. It will cause you a great deal of sadness while simultaneously providing catharsis to your wounded soul. Moments of feel-good humor skillfully balanced the plot’s heavy emotional content. It encapsulates the most perfect quality of a Korean drama. It was brilliantly crafted with unfeigned and deeply affecting quality. A one of a kind narrative that will move your heart and stir your soul. It is by far the frontrunner for Best Drama of the Year!

This drama followed an omnibus format. It was composed of many characters and it showcased various stories. At first sight, it may seem overwhelming and confusing but that is not the case with this show. What made it great is that despite the multilayered storyline, it was not hard to follow. The way it was crafted was hands down breathtaking. The story progressed with depth and volume. I love that the stories served a purposeful meaning. They have tackled social issues that are relevant and timely. They handled these issues with sensitivity like teenage pregnancy, abortion, divorce, and depression to name a few. It provided hard-hitting lessons about love, growth, friendship, and family. It also brought up moving representation and inclusivity about people with disabilities such as deaf and down syndrome. No KDrama has ever done this except this show. And for that, I give it two thumbs up!

I am not mentally and emotionally prepared for this show. I was not expecting that it will end up pulling at my deepest emotions. It will send you to a whirlwind of huge and rich emotions. It was indeed a roller coaster-like ride. You will be surprised that it has already became part of your system. It has a quality that I can’t put into words. It’s something that you will feel from deep within. A quality that will provide you warmth and comfort. It flows smoothly and it grabs you while playing with your emotions. At the end of the series, tears will flow on your eyes and smile will be drawn on your face. It hits close to home.

It is an irrefutable fact that the strongest suit of Our Blues was its star-studded ensemble cast. Each of the actors showed the viewers how excellent they are in their respective crafts. No one was left behind. Each of them brought their A-game in this show! They worked together in orchestrating one of the most dynamic and outstanding performances in KDrama history. Their grounded and life-like portrayals truly made this TV series a precious gem. They brought these characters to life. They have embodied their characters in the most convincing and stirring manner. I will talk about the actors that left marks to my heart:

Lee Jung-eun as Jeong Eun-hee

This is a fearless forecast: Lee Jung-eun will surely bag nominations for effectively portraying Jeong Eun-hee. I think, it is safe to say that Eun-hee is the pillar of the story. She played a vital role in keeping the Jeju natives afloat. She has done it effortlessly. It was tailor-made for her. I am already a fan of KDramas since 2017 and this is the first time that I saw her in the leading role and she did not disappoint! She definitely has the range. Her versatility is unquestionable.

Lee Byung-hun as Lee Dong-seok

Lee Byung-hun will surely sweep all the “Best Actor” awards for his performance in this show! His role was indeed well-written and he executed it through his impressive portrayal. He made me hold on tight on Lee Dong-seok. The complexity of his character was pulled off so well. He showed different layers of portrayal: soft-hearted, feisty, unapologetic, and strong-willed. He does it compellingly to the extent that I felt his character. I felt furious towards him and I also sympathizes with his struggles. No one can pull off this except him.

The honorable mention goes to Kim Hye-ja who portrayed the character of Kang Ok-dong.

The only thing that I have for this veteran actress is praise. Her character was very timid. She rarely have dialogues but her character is the one which ended up being stuck in my mind and heart. No one can do such remarkable performance except her. You know that she has a top notch acting prowess when she pull at your heartstrings by just looking at her face. Her gaze and facial expressions were on point. She almost made me forgot that I am watching a fictional series because she brought Kang Ok-dong into existence. She portrayed her role in the lens of realism. She will creep into your system and tug at your deepest emotions.

No doubt, Our Blues turned out to be one of the most beautifully written dramas of all time. With its omnibus format, the show showcased different stories and let’s talk about the episodes that I will never forget.

Please skip to avoid major spoilers.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Episodes 14 and 15 | Young-ok, Jeong-jun and Young-hui 1 & 2

The moment Lee Young-hui was introduced in the drama, I knew for a fact that this TV series deserves stranding ovation. That’s how representation and inclusivity should be! I commend how Our Blues is paving the way for people with disabilities. It started with Byul, portrayed by Lee So-byul, a deaf character. I admire the fact that they really made a deaf actor portray that role. It was very authentic. Next is Young-hui, a person with Down Syndrome. Jung Eun-hye, the actress who portrayed Lee Young-hui, is definitely the highlight of the entire show. She was a ball of optimism. She brought genuine happiness to my heart. Her portrayal was heartfelt. I felt empathic towards her. I felt her deeply. This is the first time that I’ve seen a KDrama that was consist of real-life persons with disabilities. They handled this topic with utmost sensitivity and respect. It was honestly beautiful. It served us an eye-opening and moving experience. Thank you for this gift.

**Lee Byung-hun** as *Dong-seok* and **Kim Hye-ja** as *Ok-dong*

Episodes 18, 19, 20 | Ok-dong and Dong-seok 1, 2, & 3

Our Blues was truly on its peak during these episodes. That’s how you should end a TV series! Their story is probably my most favorite. Since from the beginning, I knew that their story will turn out remarkable. Lee Byung-hun and Kim Hye-ja both did stellar and groundbreaking performances. The pain and longing of a mother and son was portrayed perfectly. They brought their characters to life to the point that you would think that they are real. Some of the scenes that lives rent free on my mind are the following:

• When Ok-dong defended her son from the belittling words of her stepson. When she raised her frail voice and she delivered her lines, it brought chills down to my system. It felt surreal. It hits close to my heart.

• When Dong-seok carried his mother behind his back and when they climbed Mt. Halla. Those scenes are very solemn. Even without any lines, you can feel the emotions of their characters. It speaks volume. Those are the times that I felt quiet but it was brimming over with emotions.

• Who would forget when they had finally made amends, Ok-dong passed away? I can’t forget how many times I gasped for air because I cried so hard in that scene. It was painful. They were supposedly share breakfast together but Ok-dong passed away and she failed to see Dong-seok enjoyed the meal she had cooked. When everything are already falling on its place, she left this world. The embrace that they have shared is one of the unforgettable moments that I will never forget. Bittersweet.

Their story solidified the plot of Our Blues. They ended the series on an emotional note. It drained me emotionally. I cried a river. It was moving. Their story made this show notable.

[END OF SPOILER]

One of the aspects that made Our Blues extra special is its soundtrack. This is one of the dramas out there that has an on point soundtrack. They are effective at improving the scenes. It builds up emotions. I am not overreacting when I say that all of the songs are perfect. The effect of these songs are ineffable. Some of my favorites are BTS’ Jimin and Ha Sung-woon’s With You and Moon’s cover of Quando, Quando, Quando.

“There is one thing we must remember in our lifetime: We weren’t born into this world to suffer or feel miserable. We were born to be happy.”

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

KDRAMA REVIEW | True Beauty

True Beauty is a South Korean television series starring Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp, and Park Yoo-na.

Title: True Beauty

Hangul: 여신강림

Genre(s): Romcom, Slice-of-life, Coming-of-age

Episodes: 16

Duration: 73 – 80 minutes

Release Date: December 9, 2020 – February 4, 2021

Network: tvN

18-year-old high school student Im Ju-kyung (Moon Ga-young), who has an inferiority complex regarding her appearance, has been constantly discriminated by her family and bullied by her peers due to being perceived as ugly. She starts learning how to use makeup by binge-watching makeup tutorial videos on the Internet. When she masters the art just before transferring to her new school, her makeover proves to be transformative as she quickly rises to fame and her peers call her a “goddess”.

Despite her newfound popularity, Ju-kyung still considers herself ugly, and it is her greatest fear that her peers will see her real face. This unfortunately comes true when her dashingly handsome, popular and mysterious classmate Lee Su-ho (Cha Eun-woo), whom she had previously run into with her bare face a couple of times, recognizes her beyond her makeup. Su-ho is very popular among female students at school, but he hates being the constant center of attention and is often seen as aloof and cold. He has his own fears, and he harbors a dark secret—a tragic incident in the past—that has been haunting him for a long time. He and his former best friend, Han Seo-jun (Hwang In-youp) have distanced themselves from each other because of this incident, and the blame Seo-jun placed on Su-ho has caused him a lot of guilt. Ju-kyung and the estranged friends Su-ho and Seo-jun soon forge an unlikely relationship as they unravel secrets, share their pains, grow together, and seek comfort from each other.

True Beauty will make the viewers smile from ear to ear. A delightful treat that will make you feel good and satisfied. It was comical, relatable, and heart fluttering. It will also pinch your heart from the affecting conflicts. It was wrapped with valuable lessons. It flows smoothly with the correct amount of emotions. This show was far from being polished: the storyline was dragged out too long and the prolonged duration will, at some point, pull you into boredom. It was familiar but it transpired to be enjoyable. It has what it takes to keep the audience engaged from start to finish. It was honestly charming, sweet, and captivating. An easy to watch and loveable show. Despite all the stereotypical elements, True Beauty surprisingly turned out fun and endearing.

To be frank, it doesn’t deserve the hate. While this show was still airing and even after it had already finished its run, True Beauty emerged to be one of the most hated Korean dramas of all time. To tell you the truth, I can’t fathom how many people hated this show. Yes, it was obviously not the best but it was honestly not the worst. It was actually one of the KDramas out there that will make you feel light and entertained. I think. those people only loathed this show because their supposed ships did not came true. Before you watch this series, you have to understand that this is about Im Ju-kyung’s journey to self-love and acceptance. The romance is just an added flavor. Before you join the hate train against this show, give it a try first and see it for yourself.

From left to right: **Hwang In-youp** *(Han Seo-jun)*, **Moon Ga-young** *(Im Ju-kyung),* and **Cha Eun-woo** *(Lee Su-ho)*

To be perfectly honest, the acting in this show was not too refined compared to other Korean dramas out there. It was not on point but it was pretty decent and good enough to captivate you. Hwang In-youp was undeniably a scene stealer in this show. His character was a blend of warmth and coldness and these two elements worked together in making us suffer from second lead syndrome. All praises goes to Moon Ga-young who carried the whole show. There is no doubt that she was the star of this TV series. Her performance as an 18 year old girl was indeed convincing. It was done with so much charm, innocence, and delight. Lastly, Cha Eun-woo never fails to capture the viewers’ hearts. He is indeed an eye candy! Unfortunately, I really think that his acting seems to be lacking. I find his performance monotonous—from his voice to his facial expressions. This may sound awful, but he is like a robot. His acting was honestly tedious. He needs to step up his game. On the other side, he is great at making our hearts flutter. Nonetheless, he still got room for improvement.

To be perfectly honest, True Beauty stumbles at some aspects. It was not perfect. Romcom is one of the genres that I will never get tired of watching, but this show almost made me feel exhausted due to the unnecessarily long duration of each episode. At first, I can’t take my eyes off my screen but as the story was dragged out, I almost lost my interest. You can cut a lot of scenes and it will still look the same. One of the issues that I also noticed was the uneven narrative. I feel like the chain of events were messy. The way the story was laid out was quite off. Despite all these, True Beauty is still a good watch! This drama series is really recommended for those people who are just starting out to watch KDramas.

One of the best things about this show was the ear pleasing music that were featured. All of the songs truly enhanced and contributes to the beauty of the drama. The official soundtrack has provided extra feeling of charm. Here’s the link:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

KDRAMA REVIEW | My Liberation Notes

My Liberation Notes is a South Korean television series starring Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, Son Seok-koo, and Lee El.

Title: My Liberation Notes

Hangul: 나의 해방일지

Genre(s): Slice-of-life

Episodes: 16

Duration: 67 – 80 minutes

Release Date: April 9 – May 29, 2022

Network: JTBC

Set in the fictional Sanpo village in Gyeonggi-do, My Liberation Notes tells the story of three siblings (Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, and Lee El) and a secretive stranger (Son Seok-koo), who want to escape from their dead-end lives.

My Liberation Notes is indeed a liberating experience! It was intimately wrapped in a sentimental, somber, and empathic atmosphere. This show was crafted with poetic screenplay, heart tugging storyline, engrossing plot, impressive acting, and meaningful lessons. The series was enclosed in silence but it was brimming over with heavy, deep, and immense emotions. It depicted life in the lens of realism. This show will send you to the depths of agonizing sorrow, despair, loneliness, and grief. An excruciating experience that will end up providing you warm solace and uplifting consolation. It will comfort you in the most unexpected manner. A sincere and solemn piece that will leave marks to your heart. A subtle yet heartfelt drama.

To be perfectly honest, this show is not for everyone. It was very gloomy. A lot of people may probably find this show quite hard to watch as the pacing was done in a slow-burn manner. In my opinion, the pacing is one of this show’s strongest points. It was steady. And I think, the purpose behind that is for us to learn that time is the best gift life could offer. As for me, the path may seem winding on its façade, but as you dig deeper to the show, you will realize that the storyline has depth and weight.

My Liberation Notes is subtle in every aspect but it has something that will touch your heart. It has a very distinct quality that will leave you speechless. It will make you close your eyes and breathe out a sigh. It was hard to explain. It was something that will creep in your deepest emotions. This show was laid out very simple but the execution was notable. It will linger to your heart. In the end, you will feel relieved and a sweet smile will drawn onto your face. Just give it a try and I assure you that you will be grateful for taking the chance.

From left to right: Son Seok-koo, Kim Ji-won, Lee Min-ki, and Lee El.

Without a doubt, the cast of My Liberation Notes made the show a worthwhile! Their convincing performances are truly grounded and life-like. Without these stellar actors, I don’t think this show will end up this great. Lee Min-ki and Lee El’s delightful performances added relief to the emotional heaviness of the drama. Son Seok-koo is indeed a heart stealer. He is truly a promising actor. He portrayed Mr. Gu in the most intriguing way. Even the shift in the tone of his character was commendable. It showed his potential. I am rooting for his career! Lastly, Kim Ji-won who once again proved her versatility and range in acting. Her character was very subtle. She has no dialogues and lines at major parts, but that was not a hindrance for her to show her great acting skills. A lot of times, she wrecked my heart without even saying anything. Her facial expressions and her presence was really strong to the extent that you can feel it even though she is not talking. She is on her way to be one of the best actresses of this generation!

What I totally admire about this drama is the way they addressed liberation. It was real and unfiltered. It made us realize that liberation doesn’t happen in an instant. In fact, it is a process. I, myself, struggled to liberate myself in the past. Though, I had made improvements, I still find it hard to fully liberate myself in the present. And that’s what I love about My Liberation Notes. It will provide you warmth and solace through its provoking lessons. It made me feel that I am not alone in the path of liberation. The compelling characters seemed like walking by my side comforting me. And I hope that others also felt the same thing that I have felt. It will serve you comfort in the most realistic and relatable way.

The soundtrack of My Liberation Notes helps to emphasize the atmosphere when needed. It does not overpower the scenes. The songs were used in times that they were really has to be used. The track My Liberation Notes is pleasing to the ears. I liked the most the song used in Episode 14. It was a song used in the scene were Chang-hee buried his late mother’s artificial joint. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the link of the song. Nonetheless, here’s the full soundtrack:

“That’s why they say you can get away with anything if you have love.”

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

KDRAMA REVIEW | Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a 2022 South Korean television series starring Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun-wook and Lee Joo-myung.

Title: Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Hangul: 스물다섯 스물하나

Genre(s): Romance, Coming-of-age

Episodes: 16

Duration: 70 – 75 minutes

Release Date: February 12 – April 3, 2022

Network: tvN

In a time when dreams seem out of reach, a teen fencer pursues big ambitions and meets a hardworking young man who seeks to rebuild his life. At ages 22 and 18, they say each other’s names for the first time, and at ages 25 and 21, they fall in love.

In 1998, Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) is a member of the school fencing team at Seonjung Girls’ High School, but due to the IMF crisis, the team is disbanded. To continue pursuing her passion, she transfers to Taeyang High School and later manages to become a member of the National Fencing Team. Baek Yi-jin’s (Nam Joo-hyuk) family goes from “riches to rags” and are separated due to the financial crisis. He is forced to take up several part-time jobs and later becomes a sports reporter.

In present day, Kim Min-chae (Choi Myung-bin), Na Hee-do’s daughter, quits ballet and “runs away” to her grandma’s house. During her stay, she comes across her mother’s diary, which the story is then told through.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One has the exceptional concoction of heart fluttering romance, rib-tickling comedy, and heart wrenching drama. It was a bittersweet trove of love, aspiration, hope, and heartaches. It was equipped with well crafted storyline, gripping and stirring plot, captivating narrative, outstanding performances, and notable life lessons—exemplary accomplished! It was a heart mending and heart rending experience that will either heal or wreck you. It will definitely tug at your deepest emotions. This show has a hauntingly heartfelt quality that you will never forget. It hits close to the heart. A moving, deep, and profound masterpiece. It set the standards high for coming-of-age romance KDramas! Without a doubt, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, is one of the greatest Korean dramas of all time!

I really love how deep the story was. They did not only focused on the romantic side but they also addressed what it means to be young. It will show you how it feels to fall in love and have your heartbreak for the first time. It will also show you how it feels to have friends that you can call your family. The struggles and beauty of being young was eloquently portrayed. It will leave you in deep thought about the things that you are willing to sacrifice for your dreams. It was indeed an eye-opening experience. This show really served its purpose.

Honestly speaking, Twenty-Five Twenty-One seems like it has a shallow surface. Right from the beginning, you already have an idea how would the story turn out. Are you wondering why it still turned out to be one of the greatest Korean dramas of all time? The reason behind that is the heartfelt aspect of it. As the story was laid out, you will realize that the story has an immense depth. It was fun, endearing, delightful, and devastating. It will send you to an indescribable experience where you will feel all the emotions that will end up pulling at your heartstrings. What I also love about this show is how it tackled the nostalgia of youth in full lens. It was executed with rich emotions. The way the story was depicted is very close to reality to the extent that it became so relatable down to the core.

The cast of this TV series undoubtedly deserves praise and applause. Each of the cast did a tremendous job in portraying their characters. Their performances were extremely convincing to the extent that I forgot that I was watching a fictional series. Their characters were brought to life. I felt them. There are quite a lot of new faces in this show but it was not a hindrance for them to astonish me with their stellar performances. Choi Hyun-wook, who portrayed the character of Moon Ji-woong, did a great job in making the viewers’ hearts flutter. He is adorable and full of charisma. His charming visuals complemented his delightful acting skills. I think, it is safe to say that he is one of the most loveable character in the series. I won’t get surprised if he would become a lead actor one of these days. Bona, who portrayed Ko Yu-rim, was indeed commendable. Her execution was totally striking. She showed different sides of her in this show. She made me care for her and she brought pain to my heart. Her delivery was satisfying. No matter how unpleasant her character was at the beginning, I found it hard to hate her because she really did a compelling performance. she has a bright future ahead of her! Lastly, Lee Joo-myung as Ji Seung-wan, is a huge surprise to me. I was not expecting that she would end up leaving an impression to me. She was very likeable. The way her character was written was indeed unproblematic and easy to be fond of. She is the kind of character that we all need in our lives—someone who bring out the best in all of us. She is a ball of sunshine. Her character uplift my being. I am rooting for her career!

Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Yi-jin

Nam Joo-hyuk is really unstoppable in proving his exceptional acting skills. He never cease to amaze me. Honestly, I really thought that he would be part of the league of actors who have good visuals but lame acting skills, but he proved me wrong. From the beginning of his career, he continuously leaves mark. His portrayal of Baek Yi-jin solidified his place in the industry. He did so well. I won’t get surprised if he will emerge as one of the Top Korean Actors of our generation!

Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do

Kim Tae-ri is deserving of applause for her portrayal of Na Hee-do. After I’ve watched Twenty-Five Twenty-One, I knew that she would bag the Best Actress award. Nobody can pull off such excellent portrayal except her! She brought Hee-do to life. It seems like the actress Kim Tae-ri was nowhere to be found because she really made Hee-do life-like and grounded. To think that she is already in her 30s, she portrayed Hee-do in the most compelling and breathtaking manner! You will root for her and celebrate her victories and feel empathic towards her loss. Even her mannerisms left me speechless. She made Na Hee-do a character that you will never forget. No one can do it like her! She showed her range in acting. She is indeed extremely versatile. She can take on any role and still pull off a solid performance. Her brilliant portrayal was indeed one for the books! She just proved everyone that she is one of the standards! A star was born!

Admit it or not, this show produced one of the best squads in Kdrama history. The only choice in your hands is to fall in love with them. You will hold dearly on their individual journeys. You will surely clasp your hands and pray for their success. You will celebrate their endeavor and you will shed tears for their loss. They will become your home… your family. They are not just mere characters, they will hold your hand in the journey of youth life. Every step you make with them is meaningful. It was indeed an unforgettable summer getaway!

[SPOILER] My most favorite episode was the Episode 15. The scene where Hee-do and Yu-rim tightly embraced one another after a fierce and heart-piercing match sent me to whirlwind of big emotions. It was the first time for a very long time that I bawled really hard from watching a TV series. I usually cry really hard over death scenes, but this one is different. My emotions while watching that scene was throat-squeezing. The moment they dropped their fencing blades and decided to finally embrace after long painful years of separation drained me emotionally. Their acting was indeed phenomenal to the extent that I became so attached to their characters. This scene is indeed one of the best TV moments in history! [END OF SPOILER]

This show was infused with on point soundtrack. I must admit that Twenty-Five Twenty-One is one of the KDramas that has an amazing soundtrack. The songs used in this show elevates the atmosphere of the scenes. Whenever I listen to the soundtrack, I feel nostalgic because it brings back memories. My personal favorite is Jaurim’s Twenty-five, Twenty-one. If I am not mistaken, this song was only used a few times but it lingers to my heart.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Annyeonghaseyo, kimchies! I am really really sorry if it took me so long to post a review again. I suffered from KDrama slump for the nth time and I really struggled to pull myself together this time. For the times that I stop watching Korean dramas, I watched Western TV series. I honestly enjoyed the experience. After I’ve seen quite a lot of Western series, I finally feel the urge to watch KDramas again. I can’t promise to get back on track right away but I will try my very best to go back at doing my first love… watching KDramas. Leave your KDrama suggestions below. Take care always!

love, ady

KDRAMA REVIEW | My Name

My Name is a South Korean streaming television series starring Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, and Ahn Bo-hyun.

Title: My Name

Hangul: 마이 네임

Genre(s): Action, Crime, Noir, Thriller

Episodes: 8

Duration: 45 – 59 minutes

Release Date: October 15, 2021

Network: Netflix

Following her father’s murder, a revenge-driven woman puts her trust in a powerful crime boss — and enters the police force under his direction.

My Name is an unstoppable action flick that delivers excellence! The combination of dark and engrossing thriller, poignant drama, and kinetic and intense action sequences will have you at the edge of your seat. It was loaded with riveting storyline, high-octane plot, enthralling narrative, explosive twists and turns, and outstanding portrayals led by the new action princess—Han So-hee. The production value of My Name is indeed noteworthy—from the pitch-perfect musical scoring up to the impressive technical aspect, everything was astounding. A dark, violent, graphic, and brutal series that will end up tugging at your heartstrings. It will send you to a gripping and emotional ride. No dull moments—it started off strong and ends with a grand finale. A solid experience! It definitely served vengeance in a satisfying manner. Without a doubt, My Name is absolutely one of the best action Korean dramas of all time!

This show exceeded my expectations. I wasn’t expecting it to turn out this great. I was astonished by the fact that this series will surprisingly amaze me. The blend of drama and action was totally well-balanced. Throughout the show, I was at the edge of my seat. It never had any single dull moment. I was totally captivated by this show!

The way how the story developed was gripping. It has what it takes to keep you glued from the moment you start to watch it until the end. It was a kind of show that will send you to a whirlwind of emotions. The twists and turns are really jaw-dropping. The plot was infused with engrossing chain of events. Without any sugarcoating, My Name is one of the greatest action Korean dramas that I have ever watched.

The cast of My Name is indeed worthy of recognition. Honestly speaking, the addition of their characters to the plot made it more interesting to watch. Ahn Bo-hyun‘s charisma was totally to die for. He is proving his worth in the industry. Park Hee-soon‘s portrayal was also commendable. He was able to hold my attention. And of course, the str of the show: Han So-hee. A new action princess was born! I’ve already seen her in many dramas and I was surprised that in this show, she would turn into a beast. She is the surprise and the strongest suit of the show. To put it bluntly, she is the strength of My Name! I never thought that she could pull off such remarkable performance. I felt her character’s sadness, desperation, hatred, anger, and wrath. She proved her range and versatility. We really need to remember her name because in just few years, I am sure that she will become one of the New Generation’s Top Actresses of South Korea.

I think, one of the commendable aspects of this TV series is the technical side. The directing was really great, the camera tricks especially during the stunning action scenes were notable, the cinematography was good, and even the musical scoring was something to be praised of.

My favorite song from the soundtrack is entitled My Name by Swervy and Jeminn. This song is giving me strong emotions. It helped a lot in evoking the required emotions in many scenes. Here’s the link:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

KDRAMA REVIEW | The Silent Sea

The Silent Sea is a 2021 South Korean streaming television series starring Bae Doona, Gong Yoo and Lee Joon.

Title: The Silent Sea

Hangul: 고요의 바다

Genre(s): Science fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Episodes: 8

Duration: 39 – 51 minutes

Release Date: December 24, 2021

Network: Netflix

On a near-future Earth suffering from extreme desertification, draconian measures have been put in place for potable water rationing. Scientist Song Ji‑An (Bae Doona) joins a hand-picked team of elite personnel on a mission to the moon. They are headed to an abandoned research facility, Balhae Station, where her sister died five years prior, after an incident occurred. Their mission is to retrieve a mysterious sample. The captain of the team, Han Yun‑Jae (Gong Yoo), is a soldier for the space agency. Lieutenant Ryu Tae‑seok (Lee Joon) of the Ministry of National Defense volunteers to be part of the crew.

At the lunar facility, Song ascertains that the higher-ups have floated a bunch of half-truths and outright lies regarding the mission and the facility, and the nature of the accident that wiped out the staff. The sample turns out to consist of an element that ostensibly looks like water, but multiplies like a virus when it comes in contact with living cells. The team is attacked by a violent superhuman young girl on the space station, one who is immune to the effects of lunar water. Meanwhile, they must contend with the fact that some members of their own party may have ulterior motives that lead to betrayal.

The Silent Sea is a state of the art experience! It was a never-before-seen story in the history of KDrama. The show was infused with enthralling plot, top notch production quality, cinematic feels, stellar set design, eye-popping visual effects, and commendable performances. Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired. The story was dragged out. Honestly speaking, this series could have been better if it was made into a movie. I thought, I was going to dive into a deep sea, sadly, it was just a shallow surface. Regardless, The Silent Sea is still suspenseful, unique, and imaginative. The first-ever Sci-fi series pioneering a new genre in Korean drama!

This series is really worthy of praises especially when it comes to becoming the first Korean drama with a story set in space. That alone will surely convince you to give it a try. One of the qualities that I love about this show is its ability to captivate you. I definitely have no idea where the story was going. The whole show was sailing smoothly. You will really end up binge-watching it to know what it has to offer in the end.

The cast of The Silent Sea is worthy to be praised of. They successfully captivated me until the end. There is no doubt that Gong Yoo and Bae Doona are some of the best actors of their generation. Their team up seemed to be a punch to the moon. It was ambitious to say the least but look what we got? Two of the greatest Korean actors in one fascinating series! They were able to showcase their own respective caliber. I hope they would still work together in the future.

Like what I’ve said previously, The Silent Sea left a lot to be desired. The pacing was one to blame for. I don’t know if it was intentionally executed in a slow burn manner or the story was long and dragged out? Because if you will ask me, I personally think that it was unnecessarily long. It could have been better if it only has 4-5 episodes. I think if that happened, the story would become strong and solid. Don’t get me wrong, the story was really interesting, its just that it left no impact to me at all. The build up took so long to the point that you already grew tired of it before you even reached the climax.

Still, The Silent Sea is commendable for bringing a new dish on our table. This kind of story is only seen in films but they took the risk and made it into a television series. It may not be the best but it really tried its best to give the audience a new kind of entertainment.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐