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I guess I picked a good time to wander over here.
I'm feeling a little lost at sea right now, with My Princess and Dream High ended. What to watch?! I'm watching Paradise ranch every now and then, but pretty much only when I'm waiting for something else to get posted. And I'm watching Once Upon A Time in Saeng Cho Ri, but that's only once a week. Maybe I need to dig in the archives and watch something that I've overlooked a hundred times before. Or rewatch something. Or reintroduce myself to netflix. sigh. come back my cheesy fluff shows, please.
Since I tried learning Mandarin a year ago, Id say it helped me recall some of the words from this tdrama :-) xie xie ;-) But, yes, it takes a while to get used to it after listening to Korean for most of the dramas we've been watching for sometime now. :-) Makes me wonder why i dont get to learn Korean faster, hehe...
hmmm seen sunny happiness already...as usual Mike He was awesome in that drama... his brilliance is the only reason I watched... Unfortunately, I do not like the female lead... I find her acting yucky...sorry...
I had zero interest in watching Queen of Reversals, but I picked it up after reading girfriday's review and I am so loving it! The first 4-5 episodes were kind of slow although I guess necessary for setup, but it starts to get really good around episode 7. There's lots of comedy to balance the divorce/breaking up angst, the dialogue and plot is well-written, and the main character is flawed but kickass. I love how she is not a typical Candy, but instead very smart, confident, and a little arrogant and tactless at times, although she has a soft side too. The workplace politics are well done, and so is the anatomy-of-a-breakup, and the way a couple slowly becomes like strangers, at least on the outside. And Park Shi Hoo! I never watched anything with him before, but I love him here. Add his secretary and it's pure win!
Anyway, I didn't mean to make this so long, but if you haven't watched it I recommend it!
I don't think it's gotten to makjang yet. For some reason even if it has makjang elements, I get a slow and leisurely vibe to it. JooHee (RaRa's "mom") scares the crap out of me, though. She's like "perfect" on the outside but is so scheming. I love the grandparents.
Actually, I like the characters. For some reason, they seem real to me.
I'm quite liking season 5 of Skins UK. I've only watched the first four episodes though; I'm watching "Nic" and "Alo" tonight. There's a nice YouTube user who is posting all of the episodes the day they air, which is glorious for US people like me, 'cause then I can stream through my streaming box to my TV.
So far my favorite episode of season 5 is "Mini." She's a bitch of righteous proportions, but her episode was a gorgeous deconstruction of an adolescent queen bee. It was written by Georgia Lester who also wrote season 3's "Pandora" and season 4's "Katie." Georgia is by far the best writer on the Skins UK team.
To any US people who have Netflix, Skins UK seasons 1-3 are on Instant Watch (season 4 is out on DVD), and it's an absolutely fantastic show. Although season 4 is a bit fucked, to be honest. Just bear in mind that the cast members change out every two years, so don't go bent when Tony, Chris and Cassie are suddenly gone in season 3. Also, it's an intense show, full of drugs, sex, profanity, and teenagers in seriously fucked up familial situations. Most of the writers for the show are in their teens and early twenties, so there's a lot of truth in it. It's funny and heartbreaking, but it might not be for everyone.
@SLH (Santa's little helper) Have you been watching Misfits, also on E4? That show is absolutely hilarious, with incredibly tight writing and plotting, and brilliant characterization. I think it's even better than Skins, to be honest. Misfits is one of the best shows I have ever watched, and Nathan is a laugh and a half! There is also a lovely YouTuber who has been posting full episodes, so I rewatched the first two seasons last weekend. Excellent!
Malia, Nathan is far and away my favorite character! Well, no, actually, he and Simon are tied for favorite, but Simon tugs on my heartstrings while Nathan makes me laugh until I choke. Choke, I tell you!
Here are Robert (Nathan) and Iwan (Simon) in a little interview snippet, joking that Iwan only speaks Welsh. I love how Iwan goes along with Robert's craziness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSLMZEkF5W8 Warning: Some Profanity!
Another vote for Misfits. Probably the funniest show I watched last year, but also with amazing writing and acting too. Some of the cinematography is a bit too stylised for its own good but it's a small fault in an overall great show.
I tried watching Skins, but it was a bit much for me to handle. And it honestly wasn't even the drugs and sex, it was the coldheartedness of that one guy (Tony?) that made my skin crawl.
Yeah, season 1 Tony was an utter twat, a complete asshole tool. Props to Nicholas Hoult for making him such a convincing megalomaniac. If Skins isn't your cup of tea, definitely don't force it. But, for what it's worth, Tony gets his karmic retribution in a big (HUGE) way at the end of season 1, and season 2 deals about him finding his way back to normalcy and functionality after this huge, life-altering event (it's insane, trust me). It's worth it if you hate Tony. Or if you find him fascinating like I do. God, he's such a c*nt. :-)
I really liked it. It's a Dr. Who spinoff. Very intense, if I remember correctly. It was exactly the right thing for my sci-fi marathon, and my love of any and all British accents.
Oh my word, I LOVE The IT Crowd! I just finished season 4 and it absolutely killed me. I want to marry Moss. But my all-time favorite moment of the show is from season 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab8GtuPdrUQ
Every single time my husband says "Oh" I start singing the emergency number. It drives him insane. Haha, I'm such a bad woman. Moss making out hardcore with Roy to evade the police in season 3 is another epic moment. Ah lurves eet!
Also, where did you hear that Robert Sheehan won't be back for Misfits season 3??? THAT CAN'T HAPPEN! Seriously, give me linkies so I can read and start to worry. But honestly, I highly doubt that will come to pass. Robert Sheehan is amazing, and they will do whatever it takes to keep him on board. Nathan is such a hilarious, excellent character (and so profane, oh my God). I want more behind the scenes interviews with Robert and Iwan saying, "I wanna piss on your tits." HAHAHA. :D They had better keep him on, or you will have to make sure that Santa doesn't give E4 any presents this year!
Lastly, thanks for the recommendations! I'll search them out. I grew up on British television and I love it. That sharp, dry humor totally turns me on, yo. I also enjoyed/am enjoying Shameless, My Family, Coupling etc. Coupling is worth it just for episode 1.04 "Inferno" with Steve's "Lesbian Spank Inferno" rant. Have you seen Coupling?
"Yes thank you for bringing that up Lahlita, god knows it might have slipped by unnoticed." :p
British TV is just WIN!!!
I love Moss xD
The Rob news i heard from god knows where ;A; But it had to do with him doing a film project ~ and so apparently the director of that film said something on his Twitter about Rob not being able to do Misfits ;(
I hope its all BS :(
BTW you are the coolest chick EVER!!! :3
If you haven't been on this site before I totally recommend it! It will feed all your BritTV needs & MORE!
Shit, YOU might be the coolest chick ever. And here I was thinking that between Javabeans, Girlfriday and Brookeeve, I was all stocked up with cool. You, Crimsonskyx, are BAD. ASS! Thank you so much for the site, lady! I'll be sure to check it out. If I ever need more BritTV fixes, I'll be sure to drop you a line. Thanks to your livejournal URL I know how to find you.
“Yes thank you for bringing that up Lahlita, god knows it might have slipped by unnoticed.”
No problem. *grins like Patrick* :D
See ... as a spur to future excellence amongst the Dramabeans collective, I've decided that the losers -- the ones who like the worst media -- better have a bit of a spanking.
Oh, and I just finished watching "Nick" (Skins UK ep 5.05). I. Loved. It. I actually watched it through twice, the only episode beside "Mini" which I've watched twice in this season. There were a few moments in which the writing was a bit cliche or overwrought, but overall it was a beautiful, emotional episode. And, DAMN, Sean Teale can act! I was with him the entire time. He's so expressive and raw. And I love how much the camera loves him; oftentimes we were zoomed in so closely that it was almost overwhelming. He brought it. After watching "Nick" twice, I'm exhausted so I'll just watch "Alo" tomorrow.
I just read a newsarticle that shocked me soo much! Bea yoon bae is to we Lee na Young? ok true it was a false rumor, but the shocking part is when I saw how old BYB was. Cause I thought he was really old, that's why I did'nt think it was true anyway, but it turns out BYB is not 50 but 38 :o. I feel so silly now, why did I think he was so old in the first place? Because of his seemingly perfect skin? I mean it looked so perfect, I thought it was fake. Anyhow just wanted to share my shocking discovery *goes into witness protection programm* (japenese ajuhmma's, you can't find me now:p)
me too...I always thought he was in his mid to late forties and was really surprised to find out he was only 38....I think he looked older in Dream High with the round glasses
I´m from Germany and I started watching K-Dramas when I started learning Korean some time ago. Since I´ve become a huge fan and love to discuss those dramas I´m watching with my friends, I thought that it might be worth a shot to ask you guys wether some of you might be in Seoul/Korea at the end of the year - I´ll be staying in Seoul from October 2011 onwards for some time and right now I don´t know anybody there... would be nice to get to know people besides those from work though!
Hey there,
I'm from Germany too and will be in Seoul again next year around February and March during my semester break. I've already been to Seoul three times so far, so if you're still in Seoul around that time I wouldn't mind hanging out with you ;)
@kc how about 9th with 2 out or you already watched it?im not watch my princess yet,i kinda 'save the best for the last' or just my pirate dvd seller didnt have it.
With Dream High and My Princess over I'm rewatching Boys Over Flowers japanese version again and it got me thinking, which version do you guys prefer? (I know you have probably discussed this already but I only discovered this site till recently so now I'm curious) So which one, japanese, korean or taiwanese version?
For me the Taiwanese version is the best (if you also love to watch Japanese drama you'll notice that they are rather lacking in the romantic department, somehow they don't know how to explore/express the emotion to the fullest extend - don't kill me for saying this - it's just how I feel).
But if you watch the Tversion please REMEMBER to STOP at Meteor Garden I, DON'T even try to see MG II!
And Jerry Yan is awesome!!
(Should I also claim him as mine? Nobody is claiming him right? Tell me know if he is yours otherwise he is so mine!)
I liked the Korean because they didn't have that anti-foreigner thing that the Japanese one had when the lead was set up in the hotel. Like being with a foreigner was disgusting.
Korean is anti-japanese. If you watch Giant, you will know what I mean!! Many Korean dramas and movies also have the anti-Japanese undertone. More recently, they also have some anti-American, anti-Chinese and anti-migration themes!! Bravo!!!
I do not know what to make of your comment, since it seems to me that in the beginning you are making a commentary about Koreans suffering from "Xenophobia", and that it is quiet easy seen in the dramas and movies as in the example of the drama "Giant" the you gave, to only give a loud "Bravo" at the end, so as to imply that you do agree with your statement, that Korean are "Xenophobes and suffer from Immigrant Prejudice".
I have never seen your handle before so, you may be knew around here, but when you go out of your way to make a statement concerning race and prejudice, is only a matter of time before some one calls you upon it!!!!!!
I think it will be of great help to us if you will "clarify" your above statement, since from my point of reading , it seems to me that you may be the one suffering from "Xenophobia and Prejudice".
I did not meant to offend you , but since this forums is a "Multiracial" one derogatory comments are seen as a flaming assault on a lot of peoples backgrounds and sensibility's concerning racial background!!!!!
My clarification will be based on specific examples which signifies the undertones of racisms in some recent Korean dramas and movies that I happen to read from the Japanese, Korean and Chinese bloggers.
FYI, I do not watch many Korean dramas and movies, just occassional fews, and I found the "undertones" interesting, at times very intense and nationalistics.
If you want to know direct racisms on anti-Japanese sentiments, please watch Capital Scandal. I am here only to point out or clarify on the undercurrent which is now unfolding in Japan and China on Korean wave!!
(1) Giant - anti-Japanese & anti-American
Referring to Episode 35 to 37 (based on my recollection), when Song Mu tried to unseat Jo Pil Yeon
during the election, the undercurrent he brought to table was that JPY's father was a spy who used to help the Japanese during its 35-year of occupation.
You can see the anti-American sentiment or belittle the american sentimen in the first few episodes of Giant. You may recall when KSY stole the classified information from the American chief of staff, the drama just potrayed how clueless and idiotic of the senior American intelligence was.
(2) Daemul - anti-Chinese (or rather showed Korean superiority as how GHJ projected herself to the Premier of China), rather than attention her anger directly towards the North Korean.
Anti-American undercurrent by showing some sloppy American wearing an oversize clothes as the US President against the tall GHJ.
Then followed by an anti-migration theme when KSW shouting at GHJ's son telling him he would growing up a stateless soul if he happened to reside in Australia. KSW appeared to have won many votes for this particular scenes in Korea, if I recalled correctly. I thought it was a real Bravo for KSW to be able to turn around his "fengshui" from bad to good.
FYI, I happen to know how to read a bit of Chinese and did surf the Chinese board/blog on Daemul. Basically, the sentiments in China fans were to boycott Daemul. At the same time, the netizen also raised the anti-Korean sentiments on Queen Seonduk which I do not wish to go into details here. I thought it was a Bravo to have such a huge anti-Korean sentiments discussed over in Baidu in a spend of one month.
(3) Actresses - movie
You may recall, Lee Ming Sook telling CJW that she was surprise that CJW can speak Korean, she thought she can only speak Japanese. Then you see the smirks from the rest of the actresses. I thought this is a real "Bravo" for the PD to capture those smirks on the face.
If you happen to read some of the Japanese blogs, this smirks were actually brought up as well.
BTW, if you are not aware of the Japanese anti-Korean wave, you may want to check this out:
We are here to discuss about korean dramas, you think too much. Relax and have some peace of mind. Otherwise, you will always be so tense and on a defensive mood.
Haha...you are talking to a person who was born in Lyon, brought in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Australia and Singapore. Schooled in UK, US and Canada. Worked and lived in DC, NY, Vienna, Geneva, Nairobi, Manila, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur!! ^------------^ Visit close to 120 UN member states now at a tender age of ....so you may know the history by reading, I actually wrote so of the countries history now!!
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to respond.
Secondly, I am so glad that you have the chance to travel around the world, and have a good education, as you seem to imply in your last post.
Thirdly, I gave you ample reasons as why Koreans seem to look xenophobes, and racist trough the eyes of dramas and movies.
Fourthly, I was not trying to patronize you at all, something that seems that you are doing to the ones who happen to disagree with you, and I personally resent that.
Fifthly, you are implying that because I study the history of China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian Country's, some how that knowledge is invalidated because you have travel around the world? Well I am sorry to tell you that you are if not wrong, indeed a bit miss inform.
Last but not least;
The fact that you choose to ignore my question, and the historical background that I gave you, and decide to answer me, in a back handed manner it proves to me that in reality you are the "Xenophobe" and have some serious prejudices towards Koreans, and since this is a forum that deals with Korean culture, and furthermore is run by two of the most outstanding Korean-American Lady's in cyber-space, I will ignore what you have to say on the basis that you do not contribute any positive commentary to this blog.
Again please refer to the heading of this blog i.e. Dramabeans. It is a forum to discuss Korean dramas. Please keep a moment of quiet, and look inside yourself, and have some inner peace.
I am here to find some entertainment and some peace of mind. Om......Om.....^___________^
I am so glad, my dear SpongeBob, that you can inform Amg1 and I what this blog is about. In the past year that Amg1 and I have been writing on this blog, we must have missed the point of it entirely. It is so good that you, whom I believe I have seen write here once or twice before, can tell us what we have been doing wrong.
That was sarcasm, in case you missed it.
The title of this blog is, in fact, Dramabeans, with the subheading of Deconstructing Korean Dramas and K-Pop Culture. You brought up that you think that Koreans are racist. This is a view that you garnered about Korean culture. Amg1 and I were only trying to say that you are wrong, which I believe that we have proved adequately.
Look, if you don't want us to jump on your case, let me share with you a quote that my students often spout. 'Don't start none, won't be none.' This means if you are uncomfortable with the way that the discussion is going, you shouldn't have started it. You don't get to stop it just because you suddenly sense that you are on the losing side and start with some tantric BS. This is where you make an apology as you have offended more than one person, and then you can move on.
Sooo yeah ... this is my hopefully one and only response to Spongebob...
I will try to keep it short and to the point..
What the f*ck is your problem? Don't come on this blog and start sh*t. This is not the place for it. If you want to troll on a website and cause discord. please. choose. another. website.
Do not come and harm and spread your ignorant netizen ways on DB.
You want to have a discussion on the anti-foreign lean that some kdramas have fine, here is how your post should have been:
"Korean dramas can be anti foreign. IMO, Giant is an good example. I have seen many Korean dramas and movies also have the anti-foriegn undertones."
From there, you could have had an amazing discourse in relation to that topic.
That's it.
No calling people western stray dogs.
That is utterly repulsive not needed here.
Even "strays" deserve dignity from others.
In case you forgot AMERICA is ALL about the STRAYS.....
No matter how well your formal education "might" be you sorely lack the social skills to be on this website.
Oh yeah one last thing.. COWARDS like you hide behind a computer.
I'm not going to be as nice as Amg1 here. I know, first time for everything.
Dude, step back. My step-son is Korean, and my brother is Japanese. Think about something before you write it. Normally, I can disagree with people and be respectful, but this is not one of those instances. What you said ain't cool, it ain't right, and I got no patience for stupidity like yours.
I can give you examples of how Americans hate foreigners, too. Lots of them. Does that mean that all Americans everywhere hate foreigners? I guess that means I'm going to have to stop hanging out with lots of my friends.
When you make broad sweeping generalizations about an entire country, you my friend are being racist. I think that it is sad that you claim to be part Korean and have this negative stereotype in your head about your own relatives and in turn your own self. Not every Korean is anti-American or anti-Japanese, and that is what you are saying and therefore I have every right to be offended that you are accusing my friends and relatives of being close-minded bigoted pricks. So yeah, I'm going to stand up for my friends and family. Deal with that however you want, but you will not convince me that you are in the right.
*Racism, Xenophobia, and Prejudice in Korean Dramas and Films*
My Dear @ SpongeBob.
Firstly, I want to thank you for clarifying, your first post, since it will give us a more concrete avenue in which we can respond to your above comments.
Secondly, I am not Asian, but one of my nicknames that some of my friends calls me is “El Chino”, meaning the “Chinese One”, I have exposed myself to the “Asian Cultures” as a whole for the past 25 years of my adult life, starting with the Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thailand, Cambodia, India, the Middle East, and for the past 6 years the Korean culture.
During the past 25 years I have study some of the different Asian cultures and there is something that I have found out, China, Japan, and Korea, share a very unique “national, (writing), and cultural, and belicos, bond that has been century’s in the making. I am by no means an expert on “Asian Study's” but as an “outsider”, it gives me the advantage, to read and study the historical background, without any familial, and cultural extra baggage as I try to interpret the facts, I am not implying at all, and let me make that clear again, I am not implying that native people have a bias point of view as they interpret their own history, but that bias does exist, and that bias is what I will like to used as the glue that binds the argument that people are trying to make.
Historically speaking we know that it is human nature to hold a “bias or prejudice”, towards the people we do not like, or behave different than we do, it comes at its core from the point of a survival instinct, and the ignorance to the “unknown”, I do not believe that this natural and visceral feeling or frame of mind is wrong at all, but rather how we express this bias, is what makes it right or wrong.
* Chinese Invasion of Korea*
In the year 1619 the leaders of the Joseon Dynasty, sent 10,000 troops to China to help the Ming Dynasty (lead by ethnic Hans), battle the newly form Manch Dynasty (Lead by the Manchus).
This lead to the “First Invasion of Korea” by the Manchus in the year 1627, at the command of “ Huang Taiji”, the Korean leaders struck a peace accord with the Manchus only to opposed the creation of the Qing Dynasty by Huang Taiji, this opposition brought about the “Second Invasion of Korea” in the winter of 1637, this was very bad for the Koreans since they lost the war, to become a “tributary state” to the Qing Dynasty.
*Japanese Invasion of Korea*
In the year 1592 the Japanese invaded Korea under the command of “ Toyotomi Hideyoshi” lasting till 1596, and
then the “Second invasion” from (1597 to 1598).
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's, plan was to conquer Korea, The Jing and Ming Dynasty’s of China, and eventually India.
The Japanese invasion was bad for Japan at Sea, and bad for Korea in land, the Koreans lost thousands of soldiers and civilians. But japan fail at the conquest of Korea and China.
From (1 August 1894 – 17 April 1895) Japan and Korea engage in what is call the “First Sino-Japanese war. Now it is rather cumbersome for me to address this part of history since history clearly shows that Korea was at the loosing end of both China and Japan. This two nations engage in a war for the control of Korea, with Japan being victorious at the end of the conflict. One of the saddest incidents at the end of this conflict was the murder of Empress Myeongseong (19 October 1851 – 8 October 1895), also known as Queen Min, at the hand of Japanese soldiers, since she was view by the Japanese as and obstacle to the annexation of Korea by Japan.
Japan successfully annex Korea on 17 November 1905, but by the signing of the the “Eulsa Treaty or Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty” the annexation was ratified in 1910.
I do not have the time to go in depth concerning the “Inhuman, and barbaric treatment of the Korean people by the Japanese invaders, specially the woman who where subject to horrific sexual abuse and mistreatment” that the government of Japan still denies till this day!
Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces, on 15 August 1945, mark the day when in modern history Korea finally became independent of any foreign invasion, but a freedom that was not to last for long, since the Korean war was looming around the horizon.
1950 mark the beginning of the Korean war, fueled in the North by the communist of Red China with the full blessings of the Russian Politburo, and in the south by the American army under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur .
The eventual “Stalemate “ (July 1951 – July 1953)
of this “civil war” brought the brake up of the Korean peninsula and the eventual signing of the Armistice Agreement on 27 July 1953 to end the fighting
Once again I do not have the time to explore the Korean war, but newly declassified Russian, Chinese, and American, files have shade some light on the behind scenes of the Korean war, suffice to say that the Korean war was not fought for the betterment of the Korean people, and let me make that very clear, the Russian's, Chinese, and American did not care about the regular Korean Folk, for them this war was a war of “Power and Control” in which again the Korean people got the short end of the stick.
My dear @SpongeBob.
I feel I have given you some ample historical background, about the relationship with the 3 major Asian nations, and we can see that for whatever reason Korea has been the focal point of people fighting to control its people for the most part of its history'
I have pointed out how they have been invaded time and time again, and have to make difficult alliances in order to survived.
So one can clearly see why Koreans have grown to be very “Nationalistic”, a trait that I do not look “down upon”, I was born in Mexico, but I am an American citizen, and I can assured you that Americans are some of the most Nationalistic people on this planet!
Now concerning dramas and movies, if we take real history into account, when Koreans makes a drama or a movie that deals with the invasion of their country by a foreign nation, it should be expected that they will show some “bias and prejudice towards the invaders”, so than my question to you will be in how will you portray the invasion of your country in a positive light? When the invaders kill score of your people, rape and pillage, and made your sons into slaves and your daughters into less than lower class courtesans.
I can tell you that I do not find the portrayal of the Japanese and Chinese in Korean dramas or movies to be utterly Xenophobe or with ill prejudice, we need to remember that Korea is reaching to make money at the end of the day, so to make dramas or movies who are way out of line, or over the top Racist as you call it will be a financial blunder since other country’s will not buy a product that bashes their own culture.
Last but not the least I have no desire of changing the way you view the world, or your opinion at that, I am just sharing my point of view with out trying to offend no one.
Thank you for clarifying your initial statements!!!
I also like the korean version better. I watched it first, so that might have something to do with it...but I just loved minho! He just nailed that character so well that when I watched the japanese ver, I didn't like the main character as much, or like at all really.
I liked the girl just fine in both, and I actually prefer the japanese rue to hyunjoong's korean ver. The jap. guy was just a better actor. Though hyunjoong is cute, I really didn't see his appeal until playful kiss. I found myself shouting at him to get off the screen in bof, I just hated the character.... but when I watched hana yori dango, I thought the character had more of a draw.
I didn't notice the anti-foreigners thing...but without recaps, sometimes I miss stuff. Or it just didn't catch my attention enough for me to remember.
Japanese version hands down! I watched it first and I couldn't stomach BOF, even though I tried like three times to watch it when it was so crazy popular. I couldn't get past episode 7 or 8. In comparison to Makino and Domyouji, the chemistry was flat, the acting was meh, the soundtrack was obnoxious, and everything was so overexaggerated. Plus I read the manga first, and I didn't like how many liberties the Korean version took from the original.
I think the biggest charm of HYD though, aside from the couple, is Inoue Mao as Makino - she was perfect as the stubborn "weed" that refused to give up, with an optimistic spirit and a willingness to kick the male lead in the pants when he needed it. And she didn't lose all her spirit halfway through either.
From what I saw of BOF, and to be fair I only saw up to the New Caledonia episodes, there wasn't any real chemistry between Jandi and Gunpyo. I mean, even though she was supposedly being won over by him, I just didn't see any affection between them. It seemed very forced, even on the part of supposedly head-over-heels Go Junpyo. I feel like MatsuJun did a much better job of portraying the vulnerablity and the slowly awakening feelings under the asshole exterior, whereas although Lee Minho was way hotter, he was just an asshole who wanted a new toy. (But maybe I would feel differently if I could have have made it to the end. Don't kill me, LMH fans!)
Also loved the extended cast in HYD, especially Hanazawa Rui (*fans self*), Yuki, and the other two F4 members. The friendship between Domyouji and Rui in HYD brought tears to my eyes. I love the airport scene where the F4 comes to see Rui off.
Yeesh, super long, sorry! I always feel like HYD doesn't get enough love (and BOF gets waaay too much). I haven't seen the TW version.
runs from crazed BOF fangirls waving burning pitchforks
OMG Everytime I heard ALMOST PARADISE!!! I wanted to run to the hills. I swear I would stop watching the episode and come back an hour later. And let me say Laica, that I agree with you, that is why I am rewatching HYD Jap. I mean Makino and Domiouyi just made my day, I mean did you see Domiouyi's eyes when he was keeping himself away from Makito thanks to his witch of a mother? He was saying he didn't love her but HIS EYES TOLD OTHERWISE!!!! I mean that is some high caliber acting.
I am listening to this song after so long, and um I think I actually like it?!! It's actually quite catchy! How come I don't hate it like I hated it in the drama?!! *confused*
I so agree! I totally love the Japanese version, and I have friends who don't understand why and prefer the Korean version.
For me, the biggest charm was Matsujun's portrayal of Domyouji. He totally owned that role. He could act slapstick/silly and I would totally buy it-- he made it totally convincing that Domyouji was some parts crazy.
Jerry Yan was too stiff, although I liked the TW version because it had its sweet moments.
Lee Min Ho acts and carries himself well, but I felt the lack of romantic chemistry dampened my like for him.
I disagree with you. Although Domyouji was supposed to be a tough guy, I couldn't buy the act.
Didn't seem like he could hold his own in a 1 on 1 fight much less winning a group fight. He looks so wussy, and yet we're supposed to believe that he can fight like a badass?? Please
thank you for writing this, laica!! i've seen all 3 (even the TW sequel ugh), and i super agree with all your points, especially the love for Inoue Mao. I mean, what she did with the story is how one makes the audience root for the heroine. I just can't stand doormat heroines. Although Makino was constrained by her circumstances and Domyouji's mom, the audience can see that Makino is much tougher and a stronger weed than anybody can believe.
I marathoned HYD1+2 twice, and I still watch parts of it when I feel blue.
Maybe it depends on which version you see first. I saw HYD first then MG1 then HYD again then MG2 then BOF. (At one point, I even had both HYD and MG playing with MG muted so I can enjoy the Nihongo. LOL) I skipped lots of BOF but read recaps here religiously. While I know people who saw BOF first and disliked HYD.
Japanese version:
Makino is waaaay prettier and better played then Jandi
The cinematography is gorgeous
They have season 2 and even a movie
The soundtrack is fantastic and not overplayed (yes I'm talking about you....AAAAAAALmost PAAAAAradise)
Korean version:
The Guys are hotter especially Lee Min Ho! **swoon**
Love the Bromance between the F4
F4 is dressed better
We actually care about the secondary characters
Taiwan version:
Dunno...never seen it cus the guys weren't hot
lol....i have only fully watched the Japanese and Korean versions and I have to admit I think the Japanese one trumps the Korean one in terms of storyline, directing and acting even though I had more fun watching the Korean one because of all the fangirl madness at the time...god I miss those days...it was soooooo absolutely nuts!...i havent actually felt that level of drama madness since YAB....though SKKS came pretty close last year
I definitely preferred the Japanese version--It had the best chemistry between Domyoji and Makino--it was also my first asian drama, which I watched in a half-coerced 9-hr marathon with my friend how wanted to introduce me to japanese dramas. I found the korean BOF a little over done and lacking in chemistry. i thought the Korean guy who was supposed to be Rui was not good looking and a bad actor. So I have never been able to finish BOF--can't get past episode 10. How could you ever forget the hideously ugly Domyoji cookies Makino made? I wanted to bake them myself. Or the sight of Domyoji-san shivering in the rain like a little soaked kitty--100 pounds sopping wet.
I haven't watched the TW version, although I am tempted as I have recently developed a mini-crush on the TW actor, Vic Zhou and am in the midst of watching all his dramas. It would probably hard for me to pass on Meteor Shower--the drama that made him famous in the first place.
I like the Taiwanese version best... but it's recently been pointed out to me that I am not motivated by things like good acting or plot development... I am attracted to pure entertainment value of a show, which may or may not be apparent to anyone else.
I really like the Taiwanese F4, I always have and I figure that I always will. I like Jerry Yan's goober smile, I like Van Ness's ADHD, and to a lesser extent Ken and Vic entertain me with their occasional 'drowning' imitation (the point in a show where an actor looks up with the expression of, 'oh, am i supposed to be acting here?').
I think the Taiwan version is the best in terms of showing Shan Cai (Makino)'s character as strong and resilient even when she's in a bad situation -- I love Barbie Hsu's portrayal. I like the F4 here -- none of them are particularly great actors at this point, but they do a great job of conveying the tone of these guys as lifelong friends and buddies. I especially enjoy the goofy aspect of Jerry Yan's Dao Ming Si, and physically he's a good match for the role. Vic Zhou's Lei is actually my favorite version of Rui with the way he portray's the character's spacy distance (which may just be the actor's lack of experience) and innate charm (totally Zai Zai).
I think the Japanese version is the best in terms of chemistry between Makino and Domyouji -- their version of the romance is the one I love the most. Mao Inoue is a great actress but I feel the script makes her Makino more of a victim than necessary, especially compared to Shan Cai. Matsujun is so wrong physically for Domyouji but he somehow makes it work because his performance is larger-than-life, for lack of better words. It even gets endearing to see little nutcase Domyouji throw himself around. The F4 is all right, but not as fun as the TW version IMO.
I think both the TW and Japanese versions are kind of awful in their second seasons, though. If I'd been a huge fan of either while airing, I would have wanted to throw myself under a bus, especially with the TW version. Yes, let's have our lead fall in with and be with another girl for 15 plus episodes -- our fans are sure to love it! The Japanese season 2 is less annoying, but again, Makino comes off as such a victim -- it's really frustrating as a viewer. However, the Japanese movie final makes up for a lot, with rewarding the viewers with the big happy ending, which I totally loved because I do love this Makino and Domyouji together.
I hated the Korean version and couldn't get past episode 9. There was no chemistry between the two leads, I didn't really even like Jan Di, and it was ALLLLL so over the top. I couldn't see why anyone would fall in love with either one of them, honestly. The only aspect of this version I did enjoy was Yi Jeong and Ga Eul, mostly due to the actors' sizzling chemistry. I wanted to watch a show about them instead!
Although I think the MG I is the best version I totally am in love with the movie final! The emotions which are often lacking in the Japanese series are abundant in the movie final. And it makes me love Damyouji more too.
the japanese version! I remember it was sophomore year of college when I saw Matsumoto Jun strutting around as Doumyoji and was totally upset to see this short, scrawny guy as Doumyoji. I remember saying aloud "how dare they do this!!" Then I watched him act. Blew me away. (and humbled my shallow self) And I also felt that the japanese Makino seemed more like the strong Makino in the manga than the other ones. Barbie and Gu Hye Sun played them a bit too weak.
But to be fair, I only watched part of Meteor Garden and BOF. Meteor Garden has a special place in my heart because of my teen obsession with Jerry Yan and I think it had a slightly better F4 team. BOF's got Lee MinHo.
OMG I have totally wanted to talk about this recently, but I'm not sure why so I'm glad you came up with this question!!
For me, the Japanese version wins HANDS. DOWN.
Hana Yori Dango is just such a growing up story for the characters. And that was truly portrayed in the Japanese version. I watched these characters GROW UP. Inoue Mao's Makino was winning and strong. I could sympathize with her, and we watch her slowly warm up to the crazy Domyouji. Matsujun... this is the performance that made me a half-obsessive Arashi fan (not so much anymore, just because I don't have time to LOL). Yes, he's scrawny, but his performance as Domyouji was just so convincing. And the chemistry between the two leads, wow.
The Japanese version has the entire package. You've got a solid performance from ALL of the actors (there really was no weak link in the cast, everybody was just so winning), the amazing cinematography, the great soundtrack (I can still sing WISH and Love So Sweet, all lyrics memorized), EVERYTHING EVERYTHING EVERYTHING. Omg now I feel like rewatching it because this is one of my all-time favorites. Forever and ever.
The Taiwanese version has a special place in my heart, though. It is THE first Asian drama I have ever watched. Ever. It's endearing in that, but I think it is rather weak compared to the Japanese version. I think it was the wooden performances, upon thinking back, but I probably have things remembered in a rosy color, since at that time I was in my "beginning Asian drama watching" experience..... which led to my current drama obsession..... However, I must say I really liked Barbie Hsu's portrayal of Makino. Again, I get the vibe of a strong, resilient character.
I hated the Korean version. I forever will. The only good thing that came out of it was the discovery of Lee Minho, and Kim Bum and Kim Soeun. That was about it. Goo Hyesun RUINED Makino for me. I watched a full 10 episodes and I probably have high blood pressure from that experience. Why was Jandi so freaking obnoxious? Actually that can be said of the entire drama, minus Kim Hyunjoong, who was pretty much just a stone. Oh, did I mention he also ruined Rui, too? Speaking of which, I loved Oguri Shun's Rui. Swoon-worthy.
I feel like the Korean version lost sight of what Hana Yori Dango was... It tried to go crazy with the huge dramatics and everything. And then it just ended up being so obnoxious. Just like, you know, I can take print-mixing in small (and classy) doses but when your ENTIRE outfit is fifty different prints, it hurts my eyes. And there was no chemistry. And I hated Jandi. She was not "strong and resilient." And Gu Hyesun's performance was just so strained and so obviously forced. I wanted to hit my head on a desk the entire time. Don't even get me started on the HORRIBLE soundtrack. My ears. Bleeding.
I seriously sat through 10 episodes because I still remember this was senior year in high school and I had some friends who had recently discovered Asian dramas and were OBSESSING over it. I... just couldn't get through it. No matter how hard I tried. I tried to recommend the Japanese version, which was BY FAR superior. I couldn't understand what they were seeing? But now I realize they only watched for the eye candy factor, which no longer works for me after watching years and years of Asian dramas. Sometimes not even the eye candy is enticing enough. I can never understand the fandom that came out of BOF. Okay, yes, I still watch for eye candy, but if it's SO BAD sometimes not even the eye candy does it. It's like a super attractive guy...... except he doesn't shower, has horrible taste in clothes, has a whiny obnoxious voice. No matter how greatlooking he is, he is forever off my list.
And probably because I've gotten lots lots more pickier with my dramas....
I saw a girl who was pretty much just annoying and obnoxious. Someone I wouldn't want to be friends with in real life. As opposed to Makino in Hana Yori Dango. I wanted to be friends with that girl.
I know! Makino seems like a LEGIT cool girl I would want to be friends with.
Jandi? Uh, no.
And I have no idea what Goo Joonpyo saw behind that atrocious helmet hair, obnoxious voice..... It was like the same feeling I got when I found out certain people I know of got girlfriends/boyfriends. Total wtf moments.
Personally, if I went to that school, I probably wouldn't care if she was bullied. Because she really is obnoxious. I wouldn't hate on her because she's poor, but because she's just plain annoying and up in everybody's faces. Didn't help that Gu Hyesun's portrayal made it so obvious she was trying to be cute. Key point: TRYING. Ugh it was just so painful.
I have fond memories of Meteor Garden because it was the first Taiwanese drama I watched. The acting was stiff, attributed to that they were all rookies then; but I still have warm, fuzzy feelings when I think about this drama. Most especially because of the f4 chemistry and Barbie Hsu's portrayal. And I used to just laugh/cringe at Jerry Yan's acting-- it was so bad but I just found it funny, not annoying.
With the Korean version, I got so annoyed at Gu Hyesun's portrayal. You're right-- it is so forced and strained. That's why I can't muster any sort of admiration for her at this point. I think she should improve on her acting, but she has instead focused on directing presenting herself as quite the auteur. I do admire her artistic sensibilities, but if she wants to pursue directing instead of acting, I don't think I'll watch her when she DOES act.
*runs away from Gu Hyesun's fans*
So, my favorite is the Japanese version. The scene that killed me (and I still remember vividly) was the scene (in season 2) when Makino ran after Domyouji's sister's car because she had to tell her that she still loves Domyouji and always will. It was, WOW.
Yes the bromance in Meteor Garden!! I loved it! Plus the fact that they made like a boy band out of it totally got me. Yes, I was still in boy band stage at that stage in my life, so it was right up my ally.
THE BROMANCE between all four of them, especially between Rui and Domyouji, is present in the Japanese version. There is a TRUE BROMANCE going on. I totally forgot about this factor too. In the Korean one, didn't really feel it. Granted, I place some of the blame on The Stone aka Kim Hyunjoong. I mean just that one scene (I'm getting my seasons mixed up, but I think it was season 2 or maybe not idek), where Rui and Makino are walking and then Rui leaves and Domyouji comes and Rui bromantically waves them goodbye.... omg THE BROMANCE.
My favorite scene though is in season 1. The elevator scene and him waiting for her in the rain. That was also the point where I totally broke down and started rooting for Domyouji. I also loved how at the end of season 2 (which I have mixed feelings about, there were some really great parts but also lackluster parts that I felt was like me watching filler anime or something) they tie it back, word for word. At this point I was also breaking down in tears, oh so touching...
Gosh I want to rewatch this now. LOL.
I agree. I used to really REALLY like Gu Hyesun because I had liked some of her works prior to BOF. And then I watched BOF and I was like, what the hell was this??! It was like all of her acting ability disappeared or something, like how her long hair before turned into that horrible helmet hair bowl cut. I can't respect her anymore, and while I admire how she tries to pursue her artistic/production/directing abilities, she first needs to polish her acting skills in the first place. Unless, of course, her end goal from the beginning was to do the work she's doing right now and acting was only a means to get there...... *barricading myself from GHS fans*
First loves will always have a special place in our hearts. :)
@ clichique
The elevator scene! One of my favourites. And I broke down in tears at the scene whre he rescues her and then finally regains his memories through the reenactment of that scene. That was so lovely.
I am dying to rewatch this now. We should have a group viewing on OT.
I am so tempted to rewatch this after I finish season 2 of LIar Game.......... which I am like one episode away from. Man, this is so bad, marathoning. Sigh. The disadvantage of watching shows that have already been completed. But when you watch shows airing, you have the uncomfortable weekly wait. What a dilemma.
the jap version have the best story build up for me , the sexy hot matsujun perfect for the role, but the taiwanese version is my first love and dao ming si is the tsukasa i fell in love with , so i have the taiwanese and jap as my first and korean second and 3rd the chinese version
Anyone else watching and enjoying Sparkling/Shining/All that Glitters? Kim Hyun joo is so, so cute in this and I like both families.
My quibbles with the show are mostly about the characterization. The male lead is just the cookie-cutter, run-of-the-mill surly guy. Geum ran, our other main female lead, is kind of a drip. A bitter, mentally unstable drip with a lot of misplaced animosity. She's convinced her circumstances leave her without any choices, but that's not entirely true. There are small moments where I feel awful for her, such as when she talks about not being able to afford college or working at the same bookstore company for years, just to make it from the warehouse to the backroom to the main store to another section of the store. She's meant to be a sympathetic semi-villain, but I'm not sure I feel that sympathetic toward her. Her ex-fiance is beyond vile but he's too cartoonish for me to really hate. What annoys me is the way Geum ran put up with that horrendous, emotionally abusive treatment because this asshole has a bright future ahead of him as a prosecutor. Geum ran's childhood sweetheart/friend Dae bum is written as too nice a guy. He's overwhelmingly passive and comes off as a bit of a doormat. His baby is just ADORABLE, though.
In any case, I've only been talking about the parts I dislike but I've actually been loving the show and Kim Hyun joo's Han Jung won is a really lovable protagonist. The show has dark moments but plenty of light, fluffy fun and laughs.
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1 hookedonmonix
March 4, 2011 at 6:51 AM
I guess I picked a good time to wander over here.
I'm feeling a little lost at sea right now, with My Princess and Dream High ended. What to watch?! I'm watching Paradise ranch every now and then, but pretty much only when I'm waiting for something else to get posted. And I'm watching Once Upon A Time in Saeng Cho Ri, but that's only once a week. Maybe I need to dig in the archives and watch something that I've overlooked a hundred times before. Or rewatch something. Or reintroduce myself to netflix. sigh. come back my cheesy fluff shows, please.
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samgetang
March 4, 2011 at 7:54 AM
you might like tdrama "Sunny Happiness" at kimchidrama.blogspot.com :-)
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Kender
March 4, 2011 at 7:59 AM
I see ockoala's raving has gotten to you too. XD
Sunny Happiness is such good crack. ♥
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samgetang
March 4, 2011 at 8:06 AM
saw it before i read ockoala's raves...the title got me when i was down from missing MP haha!
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malia
March 4, 2011 at 8:32 AM
If we've diverged into Tdrama territory, I've just finished watching Autumn's Concerto which I found really really good :)
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Silka
March 4, 2011 at 8:47 AM
Autumn's Concerto is totally awesome!
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amberscube
March 4, 2011 at 8:47 AM
I did watch episodes 1-3 but didnt continue. I opted reading Koala's recap for now.
French kiss in the very first minute in the first episode? Only in Taiwanese drama!
Was there ever a french kiss in a Korean drama?
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amberscube
March 4, 2011 at 8:48 AM
Im talking about Sunny Happiness here.
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hookedonmonix
March 4, 2011 at 12:33 PM
which is the reason why I can't take T-dramas out of my view list. The kissing fills in for some of the lackluster or nonexistent ones in K-drama.
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jomo143
March 4, 2011 at 8:47 AM
What is the draw?
Do the leads have good chem, please?
I'm jonesing for some chem!
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samgetang
March 4, 2011 at 8:54 AM
rom com fun, yes...good chem, yes...eye candy, yes...good flow of story, yes...nice ending, too... :-)
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samgetang
March 4, 2011 at 8:58 AM
same feel, flow and wacky as Fated to Love You...if you dig this, you might like Sunny Happiness, Jomo :-)
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jomo143
March 4, 2011 at 3:16 PM
Just watched Ep 1.
I do like the Mike He guy.
Maybe this will fill the MP emptiness for pretty and fun.
But I have to say I am so used to hearing Korean that I am listening with Korean ears, and it's very confusing to my brain!
samgetang
March 5, 2011 at 3:42 AM
Since I tried learning Mandarin a year ago, Id say it helped me recall some of the words from this tdrama :-) xie xie ;-) But, yes, it takes a while to get used to it after listening to Korean for most of the dramas we've been watching for sometime now. :-) Makes me wonder why i dont get to learn Korean faster, hehe...
lessaofpern
March 4, 2011 at 9:40 AM
Mike He, Need we say ant more? :D
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lessaofpern
March 4, 2011 at 9:41 AM
ANY :P
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samgetang
March 4, 2011 at 9:58 AM
i know! :-)
rose
March 4, 2011 at 5:18 PM
yeah mike he ....... shhhhhhh
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hookedonmonix
March 4, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Ooh, I had been interested in Mike...I mean, that show, before it aired. Thanks for the reminder!
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MJP
March 4, 2011 at 7:14 PM
I watched it after all the raves given to it. It was really good and light. It reminded me a lot of Fated to Love You.
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mizweng
March 4, 2011 at 7:35 PM
hmmm seen sunny happiness already...as usual Mike He was awesome in that drama... his brilliance is the only reason I watched... Unfortunately, I do not like the female lead... I find her acting yucky...sorry...
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annie
March 4, 2011 at 8:04 AM
I had zero interest in watching Queen of Reversals, but I picked it up after reading girfriday's review and I am so loving it! The first 4-5 episodes were kind of slow although I guess necessary for setup, but it starts to get really good around episode 7. There's lots of comedy to balance the divorce/breaking up angst, the dialogue and plot is well-written, and the main character is flawed but kickass. I love how she is not a typical Candy, but instead very smart, confident, and a little arrogant and tactless at times, although she has a soft side too. The workplace politics are well done, and so is the anatomy-of-a-breakup, and the way a couple slowly becomes like strangers, at least on the outside. And Park Shi Hoo! I never watched anything with him before, but I love him here. Add his secretary and it's pure win!
Anyway, I didn't mean to make this so long, but if you haven't watched it I recommend it!
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hookedonmonix
March 4, 2011 at 12:11 PM
I did watch it, and loved it!
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annie
March 4, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Oh, never mind then. ;) Good luck in your drama search!
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MJP
March 4, 2011 at 7:17 PM
I didn't think your comment was "long". This is the OT. Comment away to your hearts content. I love reading everyone's comments! :-)
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mrskimchee
March 5, 2011 at 1:16 AM
ditto!! I'm watching the last episode tonight!! save it for the best :)
I've downloaded Family's Honor.....all just bcs of Parck Shi Hoo..♥
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Janet
March 18, 2011 at 7:44 AM
Can I just start at Episode 7 for QR? Will that work?
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Timloo
March 4, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Well, you can always watch New Tales of Gisaeng, not much of a plot (very makjang) but awesome eye-candy ! I'm all for the puuuuurty =)
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gailt
March 4, 2011 at 12:21 PM
I don't think it's gotten to makjang yet. For some reason even if it has makjang elements, I get a slow and leisurely vibe to it. JooHee (RaRa's "mom") scares the crap out of me, though. She's like "perfect" on the outside but is so scheming. I love the grandparents.
Actually, I like the characters. For some reason, they seem real to me.
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MJP
March 4, 2011 at 7:19 PM
So, is this a modern or historical setting. Also, please explain what makjang means. Thank you in advance!
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Stacey Lim
March 7, 2011 at 8:31 AM
I feel the same. I no longer have a reason to look forward to mondays and tuesdays. blah.
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2 Haru
March 4, 2011 at 6:55 AM
Anyone here watches Skins? UK version ;(
Season 5 is sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also i need a new Kdrama to watch D:
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Lahlita
March 4, 2011 at 8:14 AM
I'm quite liking season 5 of Skins UK. I've only watched the first four episodes though; I'm watching "Nic" and "Alo" tonight. There's a nice YouTube user who is posting all of the episodes the day they air, which is glorious for US people like me, 'cause then I can stream through my streaming box to my TV.
So far my favorite episode of season 5 is "Mini." She's a bitch of righteous proportions, but her episode was a gorgeous deconstruction of an adolescent queen bee. It was written by Georgia Lester who also wrote season 3's "Pandora" and season 4's "Katie." Georgia is by far the best writer on the Skins UK team.
To any US people who have Netflix, Skins UK seasons 1-3 are on Instant Watch (season 4 is out on DVD), and it's an absolutely fantastic show. Although season 4 is a bit fucked, to be honest. Just bear in mind that the cast members change out every two years, so don't go bent when Tony, Chris and Cassie are suddenly gone in season 3. Also, it's an intense show, full of drugs, sex, profanity, and teenagers in seriously fucked up familial situations. Most of the writers for the show are in their teens and early twenties, so there's a lot of truth in it. It's funny and heartbreaking, but it might not be for everyone.
@SLH (Santa's little helper) Have you been watching Misfits, also on E4? That show is absolutely hilarious, with incredibly tight writing and plotting, and brilliant characterization. I think it's even better than Skins, to be honest. Misfits is one of the best shows I have ever watched, and Nathan is a laugh and a half! There is also a lovely YouTuber who has been posting full episodes, so I rewatched the first two seasons last weekend. Excellent!
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malia
March 4, 2011 at 8:35 AM
Misfits is awesome!! Nathan is hilarious :D
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Lahlita
March 4, 2011 at 8:45 AM
Malia, Nathan is far and away my favorite character! Well, no, actually, he and Simon are tied for favorite, but Simon tugs on my heartstrings while Nathan makes me laugh until I choke. Choke, I tell you!
Here are Robert (Nathan) and Iwan (Simon) in a little interview snippet, joking that Iwan only speaks Welsh. I love how Iwan goes along with Robert's craziness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSLMZEkF5W8
Warning: Some Profanity!
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malia
March 4, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Thanks for sharing Lahlita! I love behind-the-scenes clips. It seems as if this cast are as funny in real life as they are on-screen :))
And totally agree with you about Simon. He's just sooo cute and awkward <3
(And thanks for the warning. There are young ears around that shouldn't be hearing certain things!)
HikkiZ
March 4, 2011 at 2:04 PM
Another vote for Misfits. Probably the funniest show I watched last year, but also with amazing writing and acting too. Some of the cinematography is a bit too stylised for its own good but it's a small fault in an overall great show.
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hookedonmonix
March 4, 2011 at 12:16 PM
I tried watching Skins, but it was a bit much for me to handle. And it honestly wasn't even the drugs and sex, it was the coldheartedness of that one guy (Tony?) that made my skin crawl.
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Lahlita
March 4, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Yeah, season 1 Tony was an utter twat, a complete asshole tool. Props to Nicholas Hoult for making him such a convincing megalomaniac. If Skins isn't your cup of tea, definitely don't force it. But, for what it's worth, Tony gets his karmic retribution in a big (HUGE) way at the end of season 1, and season 2 deals about him finding his way back to normalcy and functionality after this huge, life-altering event (it's insane, trust me). It's worth it if you hate Tony. Or if you find him fascinating like I do. God, he's such a c*nt. :-)
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hookedonmonix
March 4, 2011 at 12:35 PM
I think I tried to skip forward, and then got distracted by Torchwood.
Lahlita
March 4, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Oooh, Torchwood is in my queue. Is it good? I love British TV. Erm, I'm assuming that Torchwood is British. If it's not, silly me.
hookedonmonix
March 4, 2011 at 2:04 PM
I really liked it. It's a Dr. Who spinoff. Very intense, if I remember correctly. It was exactly the right thing for my sci-fi marathon, and my love of any and all British accents.
Haru
March 4, 2011 at 5:54 PM
OMG :O
Yes I own season 1&2 boxset of Misfits :)
Watched it when it first came out xD
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Simon & Nathan!!! Best characters ever!
Though everyone is saying that Nathan won't be back in season 3 & that is very upsetting D:
E4 has brilliant shows :) I love British TV! I watch a lot of costume/period drama's and shows also :3
You should look up Miranda & Phoneshop if you haven't seen them yet ;( Oh and also The IT Crowd :D
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Lahlita
March 4, 2011 at 6:30 PM
Oh my word, I LOVE The IT Crowd! I just finished season 4 and it absolutely killed me. I want to marry Moss. But my all-time favorite moment of the show is from season 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab8GtuPdrUQ
Every single time my husband says "Oh" I start singing the emergency number. It drives him insane. Haha, I'm such a bad woman. Moss making out hardcore with Roy to evade the police in season 3 is another epic moment. Ah lurves eet!
Also, where did you hear that Robert Sheehan won't be back for Misfits season 3??? THAT CAN'T HAPPEN! Seriously, give me linkies so I can read and start to worry. But honestly, I highly doubt that will come to pass. Robert Sheehan is amazing, and they will do whatever it takes to keep him on board. Nathan is such a hilarious, excellent character (and so profane, oh my God). I want more behind the scenes interviews with Robert and Iwan saying, "I wanna piss on your tits." HAHAHA. :D They had better keep him on, or you will have to make sure that Santa doesn't give E4 any presents this year!
Lastly, thanks for the recommendations! I'll search them out. I grew up on British television and I love it. That sharp, dry humor totally turns me on, yo. I also enjoyed/am enjoying Shameless, My Family, Coupling etc. Coupling is worth it just for episode 1.04 "Inferno" with Steve's "Lesbian Spank Inferno" rant. Have you seen Coupling?
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Haru
March 4, 2011 at 8:14 PM
OMG Coupling!!!! xD
"Yes thank you for bringing that up Lahlita, god knows it might have slipped by unnoticed." :p
British TV is just WIN!!!
I love Moss xD
The Rob news i heard from god knows where ;A; But it had to do with him doing a film project ~ and so apparently the director of that film said something on his Twitter about Rob not being able to do Misfits ;(
I hope its all BS :(
BTW you are the coolest chick EVER!!! :3
If you haven't been on this site before I totally recommend it! It will feed all your BritTV needs & MORE!
http://www.thebox.bz/
If you can't torrent & find something you really want, you can ask me & i'll get it for you ;)
Lahlita
March 4, 2011 at 9:39 PM
Shit, YOU might be the coolest chick ever. And here I was thinking that between Javabeans, Girlfriday and Brookeeve, I was all stocked up with cool. You, Crimsonskyx, are BAD. ASS! Thank you so much for the site, lady! I'll be sure to check it out. If I ever need more BritTV fixes, I'll be sure to drop you a line. Thanks to your livejournal URL I know how to find you.
“Yes thank you for bringing that up Lahlita, god knows it might have slipped by unnoticed.”
No problem. *grins like Patrick* :D
See ... as a spur to future excellence amongst the Dramabeans collective, I've decided that the losers -- the ones who like the worst media -- better have a bit of a spanking.
Oh, and I just finished watching "Nick" (Skins UK ep 5.05). I. Loved. It. I actually watched it through twice, the only episode beside "Mini" which I've watched twice in this season. There were a few moments in which the writing was a bit cliche or overwrought, but overall it was a beautiful, emotional episode. And, DAMN, Sean Teale can act! I was with him the entire time. He's so expressive and raw. And I love how much the camera loves him; oftentimes we were zoomed in so closely that it was almost overwhelming. He brought it. After watching "Nick" twice, I'm exhausted so I'll just watch "Alo" tomorrow.
I repeat: You, Crimsonskyx, are AWESOME. :-)
3 @.@
March 4, 2011 at 6:56 AM
Hello everyone!!!!
Hello my friends:
asianromance
lessaofpern
dom
Viola
fanny
Autumn
diadda
brookeeve
Endroine
Faith
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lessaofpern
March 4, 2011 at 9:10 AM
HUGS!!!! Hi Dear!!!!!
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diadda
March 4, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Hi howdy back and stuff :)
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brookeeve
March 4, 2011 at 10:49 AM
What it do? and hi!
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Viola
March 4, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Hi! Hugs! :)
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ar
March 4, 2011 at 1:33 PM
hello there!!! =DDD
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4 absothe
March 4, 2011 at 6:57 AM
I just read a newsarticle that shocked me soo much! Bea yoon bae is to we Lee na Young? ok true it was a false rumor, but the shocking part is when I saw how old BYB was. Cause I thought he was really old, that's why I did'nt think it was true anyway, but it turns out BYB is not 50 but 38 :o. I feel so silly now, why did I think he was so old in the first place? Because of his seemingly perfect skin? I mean it looked so perfect, I thought it was fake. Anyhow just wanted to share my shocking discovery *goes into witness protection programm* (japenese ajuhmma's, you can't find me now:p)
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absothe
March 4, 2011 at 6:59 AM
@#$% I typed to fast, I meant wed. Bea Yoon Bae is to wed Lee na Young. And japenese is Japanese ofcourse
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danna
March 4, 2011 at 10:19 AM
me too...I always thought he was in his mid to late forties and was really surprised to find out he was only 38....I think he looked older in Dream High with the round glasses
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MJP
March 4, 2011 at 7:26 PM
Quote: *goes into witness protection programm* (japenese ajuhmma’s, you can’t find me now:p)
LOL!
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5 syer
March 4, 2011 at 6:58 AM
happy Friday.. currently listen to Chris Medina new song.. so touching...
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6 atashiwaame
March 4, 2011 at 7:01 AM
Hi everyone,
I´m from Germany and I started watching K-Dramas when I started learning Korean some time ago. Since I´ve become a huge fan and love to discuss those dramas I´m watching with my friends, I thought that it might be worth a shot to ask you guys wether some of you might be in Seoul/Korea at the end of the year - I´ll be staying in Seoul from October 2011 onwards for some time and right now I don´t know anybody there... would be nice to get to know people besides those from work though!
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hi
March 4, 2011 at 9:22 AM
Hi, I am not in Korean, but have you tried facebook? I think they have some groups for people teaching English in Seoul, Korea.
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Ambie
March 4, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Hi!
Hopefully I'll be in ROK by August... but you might want to go on facebook or Youtube and check out some folks!
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Biene1709
March 6, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Hey there,
I'm from Germany too and will be in Seoul again next year around February and March during my semester break. I've already been to Seoul three times so far, so if you're still in Seoul around that time I wouldn't mind hanging out with you ;)
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7 kc
March 4, 2011 at 7:03 AM
i dunno what to watch... my princess is finished and i want to watch something similar.. can anyone recommend some rom-com series??
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hope
March 4, 2011 at 7:11 AM
@kc how about 9th with 2 out or you already watched it?im not watch my princess yet,i kinda 'save the best for the last' or just my pirate dvd seller didnt have it.
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MJP
March 4, 2011 at 7:32 PM
Get Karl! Oh Soo Jung
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8 Agatha
March 4, 2011 at 7:03 AM
With Dream High and My Princess over I'm rewatching Boys Over Flowers japanese version again and it got me thinking, which version do you guys prefer? (I know you have probably discussed this already but I only discovered this site till recently so now I'm curious) So which one, japanese, korean or taiwanese version?
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syer
March 4, 2011 at 7:08 AM
for me taiwan version and Jerry Yan is the best..
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hope
March 4, 2011 at 7:18 AM
i prefer japanesse version although the romance is not much.
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Carinne
March 4, 2011 at 9:24 AM
TW version is best! Jia you!
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pipit
March 4, 2011 at 4:19 PM
For me the Taiwanese version is the best (if you also love to watch Japanese drama you'll notice that they are rather lacking in the romantic department, somehow they don't know how to explore/express the emotion to the fullest extend - don't kill me for saying this - it's just how I feel).
But if you watch the Tversion please REMEMBER to STOP at Meteor Garden I, DON'T even try to see MG II!
And Jerry Yan is awesome!!
(Should I also claim him as mine? Nobody is claiming him right? Tell me know if he is yours otherwise he is so mine!)
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TOOIZZY
March 4, 2011 at 7:08 AM
I liked the Korean because they didn't have that anti-foreigner thing that the Japanese one had when the lead was set up in the hotel. Like being with a foreigner was disgusting.
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SpongeBob
March 4, 2011 at 7:38 AM
Korean is anti-japanese. If you watch Giant, you will know what I mean!! Many Korean dramas and movies also have the anti-Japanese undertone. More recently, they also have some anti-American, anti-Chinese and anti-migration themes!! Bravo!!!
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SpongeBob
March 4, 2011 at 9:43 AM
Sorry, I meant many Korean drama are quite racist!!!
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amg01
March 4, 2011 at 10:01 AM
My dear @SpongeBob!
I do not know what to make of your comment, since it seems to me that in the beginning you are making a commentary about Koreans suffering from "Xenophobia", and that it is quiet easy seen in the dramas and movies as in the example of the drama "Giant" the you gave, to only give a loud "Bravo" at the end, so as to imply that you do agree with your statement, that Korean are "Xenophobes and suffer from Immigrant Prejudice".
I have never seen your handle before so, you may be knew around here, but when you go out of your way to make a statement concerning race and prejudice, is only a matter of time before some one calls you upon it!!!!!!
I think it will be of great help to us if you will "clarify" your above statement, since from my point of reading , it seems to me that you may be the one suffering from "Xenophobia and Prejudice".
I did not meant to offend you , but since this forums is a "Multiracial" one derogatory comments are seen as a flaming assault on a lot of peoples backgrounds and sensibility's concerning racial background!!!!!
Yours truly Amg1!!!!! :O}
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amg01
March 4, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Sorry for my grammatical errors!!!!!
SpongeBob
March 4, 2011 at 12:02 PM
You do not offend. I have to go for couple of meetings, then a dinner. Will reply to you tomorrow.
SpongeBob
March 5, 2011 at 1:15 AM
My clarification will be based on specific examples which signifies the undertones of racisms in some recent Korean dramas and movies that I happen to read from the Japanese, Korean and Chinese bloggers.
FYI, I do not watch many Korean dramas and movies, just occassional fews, and I found the "undertones" interesting, at times very intense and nationalistics.
If you want to know direct racisms on anti-Japanese sentiments, please watch Capital Scandal. I am here only to point out or clarify on the undercurrent which is now unfolding in Japan and China on Korean wave!!
(1) Giant - anti-Japanese & anti-American
Referring to Episode 35 to 37 (based on my recollection), when Song Mu tried to unseat Jo Pil Yeon
during the election, the undercurrent he brought to table was that JPY's father was a spy who used to help the Japanese during its 35-year of occupation.
You can see the anti-American sentiment or belittle the american sentimen in the first few episodes of Giant. You may recall when KSY stole the classified information from the American chief of staff, the drama just potrayed how clueless and idiotic of the senior American intelligence was.
(2) Daemul - anti-Chinese (or rather showed Korean superiority as how GHJ projected herself to the Premier of China), rather than attention her anger directly towards the North Korean.
Anti-American undercurrent by showing some sloppy American wearing an oversize clothes as the US President against the tall GHJ.
Then followed by an anti-migration theme when KSW shouting at GHJ's son telling him he would growing up a stateless soul if he happened to reside in Australia. KSW appeared to have won many votes for this particular scenes in Korea, if I recalled correctly. I thought it was a real Bravo for KSW to be able to turn around his "fengshui" from bad to good.
FYI, I happen to know how to read a bit of Chinese and did surf the Chinese board/blog on Daemul. Basically, the sentiments in China fans were to boycott Daemul. At the same time, the netizen also raised the anti-Korean sentiments on Queen Seonduk which I do not wish to go into details here. I thought it was a Bravo to have such a huge anti-Korean sentiments discussed over in Baidu in a spend of one month.
(3) Actresses - movie
You may recall, Lee Ming Sook telling CJW that she was surprise that CJW can speak Korean, she thought she can only speak Japanese. Then you see the smirks from the rest of the actresses. I thought this is a real "Bravo" for the PD to capture those smirks on the face.
If you happen to read some of the Japanese blogs, this smirks were actually brought up as well.
BTW, if you are not aware of the Japanese anti-Korean wave, you may want to check this out:
http://www.hancinema.net/intern-report-anti-korean-wave-backlash-has-political-historical-causes-27898.html
BYJ as zombie
http://suehanbyj.blogspot.com/2010/08/news-transyonsama-appeared-as-zombie-in.html
My intention is simple i.e. to raise awareness about anti-Korean waves in Japan and China.
I know at least one or two of you will definitely react. The one who most likely to react first is an American.Am I correct to say so?
I am not saying your view about racisms and prejudice is incorrect, I am just trying to provide you with an alternate view.
SpongeBob
March 5, 2011 at 6:39 PM
We are here to discuss about korean dramas, you think too much. Relax and have some peace of mind. Otherwise, you will always be so tense and on a defensive mood.
Haha...you are talking to a person who was born in Lyon, brought in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Australia and Singapore. Schooled in UK, US and Canada. Worked and lived in DC, NY, Vienna, Geneva, Nairobi, Manila, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur!! ^------------^ Visit close to 120 UN member states now at a tender age of ....so you may know the history by reading, I actually wrote so of the countries history now!!
amg01
March 5, 2011 at 9:09 PM
My dear @SpongeBob.
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to respond.
Secondly, I am so glad that you have the chance to travel around the world, and have a good education, as you seem to imply in your last post.
Thirdly, I gave you ample reasons as why Koreans seem to look xenophobes, and racist trough the eyes of dramas and movies.
Fourthly, I was not trying to patronize you at all, something that seems that you are doing to the ones who happen to disagree with you, and I personally resent that.
Fifthly, you are implying that because I study the history of China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian Country's, some how that knowledge is invalidated because you have travel around the world? Well I am sorry to tell you that you are if not wrong, indeed a bit miss inform.
Last but not least;
The fact that you choose to ignore my question, and the historical background that I gave you, and decide to answer me, in a back handed manner it proves to me that in reality you are the "Xenophobe" and have some serious prejudices towards Koreans, and since this is a forum that deals with Korean culture, and furthermore is run by two of the most outstanding Korean-American Lady's in cyber-space, I will ignore what you have to say on the basis that you do not contribute any positive commentary to this blog.
But thank you again for your response!!!!
Yours truly Amg1.... : O }
SpongeBob
March 5, 2011 at 9:53 PM
Again please refer to the heading of this blog i.e. Dramabeans. It is a forum to discuss Korean dramas. Please keep a moment of quiet, and look inside yourself, and have some inner peace.
I am here to find some entertainment and some peace of mind. Om......Om.....^___________^
brookeeve
March 6, 2011 at 9:51 AM
I am so glad, my dear SpongeBob, that you can inform Amg1 and I what this blog is about. In the past year that Amg1 and I have been writing on this blog, we must have missed the point of it entirely. It is so good that you, whom I believe I have seen write here once or twice before, can tell us what we have been doing wrong.
That was sarcasm, in case you missed it.
The title of this blog is, in fact, Dramabeans, with the subheading of Deconstructing Korean Dramas and K-Pop Culture. You brought up that you think that Koreans are racist. This is a view that you garnered about Korean culture. Amg1 and I were only trying to say that you are wrong, which I believe that we have proved adequately.
Look, if you don't want us to jump on your case, let me share with you a quote that my students often spout. 'Don't start none, won't be none.' This means if you are uncomfortable with the way that the discussion is going, you shouldn't have started it. You don't get to stop it just because you suddenly sense that you are on the losing side and start with some tantric BS. This is where you make an apology as you have offended more than one person, and then you can move on.
SpongeBob
March 6, 2011 at 9:09 PM
What I can hear are that two Western stray dogs kept barking non-stops!! Shoo!! Shoo! Shook!! ^__________^
AmbieH
March 7, 2011 at 7:45 AM
Sooo yeah ... this is my hopefully one and only response to Spongebob...
I will try to keep it short and to the point..
What the f*ck is your problem? Don't come on this blog and start sh*t. This is not the place for it. If you want to troll on a website and cause discord. please. choose. another. website.
Do not come and harm and spread your ignorant netizen ways on DB.
You want to have a discussion on the anti-foreign lean that some kdramas have fine, here is how your post should have been:
"Korean dramas can be anti foreign. IMO, Giant is an good example. I have seen many Korean dramas and movies also have the anti-foriegn undertones."
From there, you could have had an amazing discourse in relation to that topic.
That's it.
No calling people western stray dogs.
That is utterly repulsive not needed here.
Even "strays" deserve dignity from others.
In case you forgot AMERICA is ALL about the STRAYS.....
No matter how well your formal education "might" be you sorely lack the social skills to be on this website.
Oh yeah one last thing.. COWARDS like you hide behind a computer.
SpongeBob
March 7, 2011 at 7:59 AM
LOL!!! Yet another stray dogs barking...ooops, or rather American Bulldogs!! please have some bones!! hungrybdog is an angry dog.
Just called the RSPCA, it is on it's way now!!!! ^___________^
brookeeve
March 4, 2011 at 11:23 AM
I'm not going to be as nice as Amg1 here. I know, first time for everything.
Dude, step back. My step-son is Korean, and my brother is Japanese. Think about something before you write it. Normally, I can disagree with people and be respectful, but this is not one of those instances. What you said ain't cool, it ain't right, and I got no patience for stupidity like yours.
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SpongeBob
March 4, 2011 at 12:00 PM
My grandma is a Japanese, my grandpa is a Korean. They got married during the second world war in US? and my mother is a Chinese.
brookeeve
March 5, 2011 at 1:00 PM
I can give you examples of how Americans hate foreigners, too. Lots of them. Does that mean that all Americans everywhere hate foreigners? I guess that means I'm going to have to stop hanging out with lots of my friends.
When you make broad sweeping generalizations about an entire country, you my friend are being racist. I think that it is sad that you claim to be part Korean and have this negative stereotype in your head about your own relatives and in turn your own self. Not every Korean is anti-American or anti-Japanese, and that is what you are saying and therefore I have every right to be offended that you are accusing my friends and relatives of being close-minded bigoted pricks. So yeah, I'm going to stand up for my friends and family. Deal with that however you want, but you will not convince me that you are in the right.
SpongeBob
March 5, 2011 at 6:44 PM
Relax and refer to my statement above. We are here discussing about korean dramas and not who is the biggest racists!!
MJP
March 4, 2011 at 8:08 PM
Hello SpongeBob! Welcome to the OT. We are generally a very warm and welcoming environment.
It's sad to see that things seem to have gotten off on a bad note. I hope there can be a peaceful resolution and clarification to this issue.
So, in the spirit of kindness, I welcome you.
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SpongeBob
March 5, 2011 at 1:27 AM
Good to uphold the spirit of kindness, while stating the facts, albeit unendearing will be even more nice. ^___________^
amg01
March 5, 2011 at 3:56 PM
*Racism, Xenophobia, and Prejudice in Korean Dramas and Films*
My Dear @ SpongeBob.
Firstly, I want to thank you for clarifying, your first post, since it will give us a more concrete avenue in which we can respond to your above comments.
Secondly, I am not Asian, but one of my nicknames that some of my friends calls me is “El Chino”, meaning the “Chinese One”, I have exposed myself to the “Asian Cultures” as a whole for the past 25 years of my adult life, starting with the Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thailand, Cambodia, India, the Middle East, and for the past 6 years the Korean culture.
During the past 25 years I have study some of the different Asian cultures and there is something that I have found out, China, Japan, and Korea, share a very unique “national, (writing), and cultural, and belicos, bond that has been century’s in the making. I am by no means an expert on “Asian Study's” but as an “outsider”, it gives me the advantage, to read and study the historical background, without any familial, and cultural extra baggage as I try to interpret the facts, I am not implying at all, and let me make that clear again, I am not implying that native people have a bias point of view as they interpret their own history, but that bias does exist, and that bias is what I will like to used as the glue that binds the argument that people are trying to make.
Historically speaking we know that it is human nature to hold a “bias or prejudice”, towards the people we do not like, or behave different than we do, it comes at its core from the point of a survival instinct, and the ignorance to the “unknown”, I do not believe that this natural and visceral feeling or frame of mind is wrong at all, but rather how we express this bias, is what makes it right or wrong.
* Chinese Invasion of Korea*
In the year 1619 the leaders of the Joseon Dynasty, sent 10,000 troops to China to help the Ming Dynasty (lead by ethnic Hans), battle the newly form Manch Dynasty (Lead by the Manchus).
This lead to the “First Invasion of Korea” by the Manchus in the year 1627, at the command of “ Huang Taiji”, the Korean leaders struck a peace accord with the Manchus only to opposed the creation of the Qing Dynasty by Huang Taiji, this opposition brought about the “Second Invasion of Korea” in the winter of 1637, this was very bad for the Koreans since they lost the war, to become a “tributary state” to the Qing Dynasty.
*Japanese Invasion of Korea*
In the year 1592 the Japanese invaded Korea under the command of “ Toyotomi Hideyoshi” lasting till 1596, and
then the “Second invasion” from (1597 to 1598).
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's, plan was to conquer Korea, The Jing and Ming Dynasty’s of China, and eventually India.
The Japanese invasion was bad for Japan at Sea, and bad for Korea in land, the Koreans lost thousands of soldiers and civilians. But japan fail at the conquest of Korea and China.
From (1 August 1894 – 17 April 1895) Japan and Korea engage in what is call the “First Sino-Japanese war. Now it is rather cumbersome for me to address this part of history since history clearly shows that Korea was at the loosing end of both China and Japan. This two nations engage in a war for the control of Korea, with Japan being victorious at the end of the conflict. One of the saddest incidents at the end of this conflict was the murder of Empress Myeongseong (19 October 1851 – 8 October 1895), also known as Queen Min, at the hand of Japanese soldiers, since she was view by the Japanese as and obstacle to the annexation of Korea by Japan.
Japan successfully annex Korea on 17 November 1905, but by the signing of the the “Eulsa Treaty or Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty” the annexation was ratified in 1910.
I do not have the time to go in depth concerning the “Inhuman, and barbaric treatment of the Korean people by the Japanese invaders, specially the woman who where subject to horrific sexual abuse and mistreatment” that the government of Japan still denies till this day!
Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces, on 15 August 1945, mark the day when in modern history Korea finally became independent of any foreign invasion, but a freedom that was not to last for long, since the Korean war was looming around the horizon.
1950 mark the beginning of the Korean war, fueled in the North by the communist of Red China with the full blessings of the Russian Politburo, and in the south by the American army under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur .
The eventual “Stalemate “ (July 1951 – July 1953)
of this “civil war” brought the brake up of the Korean peninsula and the eventual signing of the Armistice Agreement on 27 July 1953 to end the fighting
Once again I do not have the time to explore the Korean war, but newly declassified Russian, Chinese, and American, files have shade some light on the behind scenes of the Korean war, suffice to say that the Korean war was not fought for the betterment of the Korean people, and let me make that very clear, the Russian's, Chinese, and American did not care about the regular Korean Folk, for them this war was a war of “Power and Control” in which again the Korean people got the short end of the stick.
My dear @SpongeBob.
I feel I have given you some ample historical background, about the relationship with the 3 major Asian nations, and we can see that for whatever reason Korea has been the focal point of people fighting to control its people for the most part of its history'
I have pointed out how they have been invaded time and time again, and have to make difficult alliances in order to survived.
So one can clearly see why Koreans have grown to be very “Nationalistic”, a trait that I do not look “down upon”, I was born in Mexico, but I am an American citizen, and I can assured you that Americans are some of the most Nationalistic people on this planet!
Now concerning dramas and movies, if we take real history into account, when Koreans makes a drama or a movie that deals with the invasion of their country by a foreign nation, it should be expected that they will show some “bias and prejudice towards the invaders”, so than my question to you will be in how will you portray the invasion of your country in a positive light? When the invaders kill score of your people, rape and pillage, and made your sons into slaves and your daughters into less than lower class courtesans.
I can tell you that I do not find the portrayal of the Japanese and Chinese in Korean dramas or movies to be utterly Xenophobe or with ill prejudice, we need to remember that Korea is reaching to make money at the end of the day, so to make dramas or movies who are way out of line, or over the top Racist as you call it will be a financial blunder since other country’s will not buy a product that bashes their own culture.
Last but not the least I have no desire of changing the way you view the world, or your opinion at that, I am just sharing my point of view with out trying to offend no one.
Thank you for clarifying your initial statements!!!
Yours truly Amg1! :O}
SpongeBob
March 5, 2011 at 6:48 PM
Again please refer to my statement above. :o}
Objective Thoughts
March 7, 2011 at 12:25 PM
There are no winners in any of these comments, just pride, pain, bleakness, and desolation.
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SpongeBob
March 7, 2011 at 12:43 PM
You are absolutely right!! There is a classic American proverb which you will not learn even in Harvard. That is "Never Wrestle with a Pig"!!! LOL!!!
Objective Thoughts
March 7, 2011 at 2:24 PM
SpongeBob,
You make me laugh! LOL!!!
You know at one time there were contests to see who could catch a greased pig?
http://www.g4tv.com/videos/39792/Kevin-Pereiras-Greased-Pig/
queencircles
March 4, 2011 at 8:19 AM
I also like the korean version better. I watched it first, so that might have something to do with it...but I just loved minho! He just nailed that character so well that when I watched the japanese ver, I didn't like the main character as much, or like at all really.
I liked the girl just fine in both, and I actually prefer the japanese rue to hyunjoong's korean ver. The jap. guy was just a better actor. Though hyunjoong is cute, I really didn't see his appeal until playful kiss. I found myself shouting at him to get off the screen in bof, I just hated the character.... but when I watched hana yori dango, I thought the character had more of a draw.
I didn't notice the anti-foreigners thing...but without recaps, sometimes I miss stuff. Or it just didn't catch my attention enough for me to remember.
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annie
March 4, 2011 at 8:17 AM
Japanese version hands down! I watched it first and I couldn't stomach BOF, even though I tried like three times to watch it when it was so crazy popular. I couldn't get past episode 7 or 8. In comparison to Makino and Domyouji, the chemistry was flat, the acting was meh, the soundtrack was obnoxious, and everything was so overexaggerated. Plus I read the manga first, and I didn't like how many liberties the Korean version took from the original.
I think the biggest charm of HYD though, aside from the couple, is Inoue Mao as Makino - she was perfect as the stubborn "weed" that refused to give up, with an optimistic spirit and a willingness to kick the male lead in the pants when he needed it. And she didn't lose all her spirit halfway through either.
From what I saw of BOF, and to be fair I only saw up to the New Caledonia episodes, there wasn't any real chemistry between Jandi and Gunpyo. I mean, even though she was supposedly being won over by him, I just didn't see any affection between them. It seemed very forced, even on the part of supposedly head-over-heels Go Junpyo. I feel like MatsuJun did a much better job of portraying the vulnerablity and the slowly awakening feelings under the asshole exterior, whereas although Lee Minho was way hotter, he was just an asshole who wanted a new toy. (But maybe I would feel differently if I could have have made it to the end. Don't kill me, LMH fans!)
Also loved the extended cast in HYD, especially Hanazawa Rui (*fans self*), Yuki, and the other two F4 members. The friendship between Domyouji and Rui in HYD brought tears to my eyes. I love the airport scene where the F4 comes to see Rui off.
Yeesh, super long, sorry! I always feel like HYD doesn't get enough love (and BOF gets waaay too much). I haven't seen the TW version.
runs from crazed BOF fangirls waving burning pitchforks
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queencircles
March 4, 2011 at 8:26 AM
That soundtrack WAS obnoxious. Lol
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annie
March 4, 2011 at 8:53 AM
I know right? The onlu good thing to come out of that was the "AAALMOOST PAAARADIIISE" parodies.
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queencircles
March 4, 2011 at 9:00 AM
Hahahaha yea. No one will ever forget. Sooo bad but so good lol.
Agatha
March 4, 2011 at 4:52 PM
OMG Everytime I heard ALMOST PARADISE!!! I wanted to run to the hills. I swear I would stop watching the episode and come back an hour later. And let me say Laica, that I agree with you, that is why I am rewatching HYD Jap. I mean Makino and Domiouyi just made my day, I mean did you see Domiouyi's eyes when he was keeping himself away from Makito thanks to his witch of a mother? He was saying he didn't love her but HIS EYES TOLD OTHERWISE!!!! I mean that is some high caliber acting.
MJP
March 4, 2011 at 7:40 PM
Do you mean this one? Ha! Ha! Ha! I'm in a silly mood today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b8PEdT3juU
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Viola
March 6, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I am listening to this song after so long, and um I think I actually like it?!! It's actually quite catchy! How come I don't hate it like I hated it in the drama?!! *confused*
CapitalScandalRock
March 4, 2011 at 8:43 AM
Japanes version anytime...........I totally liked the F4 and main actress ...T drama I liked Zai Zai only.....K-drama Kim bum only...................
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jomo143
March 4, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Funniest and most startling thing about the Japanese version was hearing the foulest languare imaginable in the NYC scenes.
My 13 year old daughter and I were SHOCKED and giggling at how liberally they used the F word.
It was like watching Goodfellas!
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annie
March 4, 2011 at 12:19 PM
LOL so true!
saraha
March 4, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I so agree! I totally love the Japanese version, and I have friends who don't understand why and prefer the Korean version.
For me, the biggest charm was Matsujun's portrayal of Domyouji. He totally owned that role. He could act slapstick/silly and I would totally buy it-- he made it totally convincing that Domyouji was some parts crazy.
Jerry Yan was too stiff, although I liked the TW version because it had its sweet moments.
Lee Min Ho acts and carries himself well, but I felt the lack of romantic chemistry dampened my like for him.
Plus, JP version had an awesome soundtrack!
So Japanese HYD= FTW!!!
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Stella
March 4, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Hi Saraha,
I disagree with you. Although Domyouji was supposed to be a tough guy, I couldn't buy the act.
Didn't seem like he could hold his own in a 1 on 1 fight much less winning a group fight. He looks so wussy, and yet we're supposed to believe that he can fight like a badass?? Please
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saraha
March 4, 2011 at 10:21 AM
That's the thing. He looks wussy but acts totally crazy. It's like if you get in his way, BOOM, you don't know what hits you.
To each his own. :)
Stella
March 4, 2011 at 10:39 AM
hahaha
Well played. You win......this time
annie
March 4, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Yup, I loved MatsuJun as Doumyouji too! He owned the role so much his small stature was almost irrelevant.
And I loved the soundtrack too. Especially that one song by Utada Hikaru in Season 2.
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clichique
March 5, 2011 at 12:42 AM
OMG. Now I'm going to listen to Flavor Of Life. Which I know all the lyrics to, TOO, because I've listened to it a billion times.
SEE, BOF, THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE A REAL SOUNDTRACK.
(I swear, I'm going to shoot someone if I hear "Almost PARADIIIIIIIIISSSSEEEEEEEEEEE" again.)
gailt
March 4, 2011 at 12:42 PM
thank you for writing this, laica!! i've seen all 3 (even the TW sequel ugh), and i super agree with all your points, especially the love for Inoue Mao. I mean, what she did with the story is how one makes the audience root for the heroine. I just can't stand doormat heroines. Although Makino was constrained by her circumstances and Domyouji's mom, the audience can see that Makino is much tougher and a stronger weed than anybody can believe.
I marathoned HYD1+2 twice, and I still watch parts of it when I feel blue.
Maybe it depends on which version you see first. I saw HYD first then MG1 then HYD again then MG2 then BOF. (At one point, I even had both HYD and MG playing with MG muted so I can enjoy the Nihongo. LOL) I skipped lots of BOF but read recaps here religiously. While I know people who saw BOF first and disliked HYD.
/end rambling
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chahaya
March 4, 2011 at 9:21 AM
Japanese for their storyline, Taiwanese for their character and Korean for their actors
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ck1Oz
March 4, 2011 at 3:14 PM
Oh true I agree with that.Korean for that eye candy.
Just watch all 3 most everyone did it seems.
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mizweng
March 4, 2011 at 8:00 PM
totally agree with you adney.... and i enjoy reading all your views here... hehehe
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Stella
March 4, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Japanese version:
Makino is waaaay prettier and better played then Jandi
The cinematography is gorgeous
They have season 2 and even a movie
The soundtrack is fantastic and not overplayed (yes I'm talking about you....AAAAAAALmost PAAAAAradise)
Korean version:
The Guys are hotter especially Lee Min Ho! **swoon**
Love the Bromance between the F4
F4 is dressed better
We actually care about the secondary characters
Taiwan version:
Dunno...never seen it cus the guys weren't hot
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anitalotti
March 4, 2011 at 2:18 PM
F4 are not hot?!? Damn, where did I put my pitchfork again? It's never there when I need it!
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anitalotti
March 4, 2011 at 2:29 PM
Sorry for swearing!
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danna
March 4, 2011 at 10:21 AM
lol....i have only fully watched the Japanese and Korean versions and I have to admit I think the Japanese one trumps the Korean one in terms of storyline, directing and acting even though I had more fun watching the Korean one because of all the fangirl madness at the time...god I miss those days...it was soooooo absolutely nuts!...i havent actually felt that level of drama madness since YAB....though SKKS came pretty close last year
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taizhu
March 4, 2011 at 10:53 AM
I definitely preferred the Japanese version--It had the best chemistry between Domyoji and Makino--it was also my first asian drama, which I watched in a half-coerced 9-hr marathon with my friend how wanted to introduce me to japanese dramas. I found the korean BOF a little over done and lacking in chemistry. i thought the Korean guy who was supposed to be Rui was not good looking and a bad actor. So I have never been able to finish BOF--can't get past episode 10. How could you ever forget the hideously ugly Domyoji cookies Makino made? I wanted to bake them myself. Or the sight of Domyoji-san shivering in the rain like a little soaked kitty--100 pounds sopping wet.
I haven't watched the TW version, although I am tempted as I have recently developed a mini-crush on the TW actor, Vic Zhou and am in the midst of watching all his dramas. It would probably hard for me to pass on Meteor Shower--the drama that made him famous in the first place.
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brookeeve
March 4, 2011 at 11:13 AM
I like the Taiwanese version best... but it's recently been pointed out to me that I am not motivated by things like good acting or plot development... I am attracted to pure entertainment value of a show, which may or may not be apparent to anyone else.
I really like the Taiwanese F4, I always have and I figure that I always will. I like Jerry Yan's goober smile, I like Van Ness's ADHD, and to a lesser extent Ken and Vic entertain me with their occasional 'drowning' imitation (the point in a show where an actor looks up with the expression of, 'oh, am i supposed to be acting here?').
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gailt
March 4, 2011 at 12:33 PM
I prefer the japanese version the most. Inoue Mao can make the heroine sympathetic. she's not a doormat.
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Jay
March 4, 2011 at 1:16 PM
I think the Taiwan version is the best in terms of showing Shan Cai (Makino)'s character as strong and resilient even when she's in a bad situation -- I love Barbie Hsu's portrayal. I like the F4 here -- none of them are particularly great actors at this point, but they do a great job of conveying the tone of these guys as lifelong friends and buddies. I especially enjoy the goofy aspect of Jerry Yan's Dao Ming Si, and physically he's a good match for the role. Vic Zhou's Lei is actually my favorite version of Rui with the way he portray's the character's spacy distance (which may just be the actor's lack of experience) and innate charm (totally Zai Zai).
I think the Japanese version is the best in terms of chemistry between Makino and Domyouji -- their version of the romance is the one I love the most. Mao Inoue is a great actress but I feel the script makes her Makino more of a victim than necessary, especially compared to Shan Cai. Matsujun is so wrong physically for Domyouji but he somehow makes it work because his performance is larger-than-life, for lack of better words. It even gets endearing to see little nutcase Domyouji throw himself around. The F4 is all right, but not as fun as the TW version IMO.
I think both the TW and Japanese versions are kind of awful in their second seasons, though. If I'd been a huge fan of either while airing, I would have wanted to throw myself under a bus, especially with the TW version. Yes, let's have our lead fall in with and be with another girl for 15 plus episodes -- our fans are sure to love it! The Japanese season 2 is less annoying, but again, Makino comes off as such a victim -- it's really frustrating as a viewer. However, the Japanese movie final makes up for a lot, with rewarding the viewers with the big happy ending, which I totally loved because I do love this Makino and Domyouji together.
I hated the Korean version and couldn't get past episode 9. There was no chemistry between the two leads, I didn't really even like Jan Di, and it was ALLLLL so over the top. I couldn't see why anyone would fall in love with either one of them, honestly. The only aspect of this version I did enjoy was Yi Jeong and Ga Eul, mostly due to the actors' sizzling chemistry. I wanted to watch a show about them instead!
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pipit
March 4, 2011 at 5:00 PM
Although I think the MG I is the best version I totally am in love with the movie final! The emotions which are often lacking in the Japanese series are abundant in the movie final. And it makes me love Damyouji more too.
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ar
March 4, 2011 at 1:40 PM
the japanese version! I remember it was sophomore year of college when I saw Matsumoto Jun strutting around as Doumyoji and was totally upset to see this short, scrawny guy as Doumyoji. I remember saying aloud "how dare they do this!!" Then I watched him act. Blew me away. (and humbled my shallow self) And I also felt that the japanese Makino seemed more like the strong Makino in the manga than the other ones. Barbie and Gu Hye Sun played them a bit too weak.
But to be fair, I only watched part of Meteor Garden and BOF. Meteor Garden has a special place in my heart because of my teen obsession with Jerry Yan and I think it had a slightly better F4 team. BOF's got Lee MinHo.
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clichique
March 4, 2011 at 2:30 PM
OMG I have totally wanted to talk about this recently, but I'm not sure why so I'm glad you came up with this question!!
For me, the Japanese version wins HANDS. DOWN.
Hana Yori Dango is just such a growing up story for the characters. And that was truly portrayed in the Japanese version. I watched these characters GROW UP. Inoue Mao's Makino was winning and strong. I could sympathize with her, and we watch her slowly warm up to the crazy Domyouji. Matsujun... this is the performance that made me a half-obsessive Arashi fan (not so much anymore, just because I don't have time to LOL). Yes, he's scrawny, but his performance as Domyouji was just so convincing. And the chemistry between the two leads, wow.
The Japanese version has the entire package. You've got a solid performance from ALL of the actors (there really was no weak link in the cast, everybody was just so winning), the amazing cinematography, the great soundtrack (I can still sing WISH and Love So Sweet, all lyrics memorized), EVERYTHING EVERYTHING EVERYTHING. Omg now I feel like rewatching it because this is one of my all-time favorites. Forever and ever.
The Taiwanese version has a special place in my heart, though. It is THE first Asian drama I have ever watched. Ever. It's endearing in that, but I think it is rather weak compared to the Japanese version. I think it was the wooden performances, upon thinking back, but I probably have things remembered in a rosy color, since at that time I was in my "beginning Asian drama watching" experience..... which led to my current drama obsession..... However, I must say I really liked Barbie Hsu's portrayal of Makino. Again, I get the vibe of a strong, resilient character.
I hated the Korean version. I forever will. The only good thing that came out of it was the discovery of Lee Minho, and Kim Bum and Kim Soeun. That was about it. Goo Hyesun RUINED Makino for me. I watched a full 10 episodes and I probably have high blood pressure from that experience. Why was Jandi so freaking obnoxious? Actually that can be said of the entire drama, minus Kim Hyunjoong, who was pretty much just a stone. Oh, did I mention he also ruined Rui, too? Speaking of which, I loved Oguri Shun's Rui. Swoon-worthy.
I feel like the Korean version lost sight of what Hana Yori Dango was... It tried to go crazy with the huge dramatics and everything. And then it just ended up being so obnoxious. Just like, you know, I can take print-mixing in small (and classy) doses but when your ENTIRE outfit is fifty different prints, it hurts my eyes. And there was no chemistry. And I hated Jandi. She was not "strong and resilient." And Gu Hyesun's performance was just so strained and so obviously forced. I wanted to hit my head on a desk the entire time. Don't even get me started on the HORRIBLE soundtrack. My ears. Bleeding.
I seriously sat through 10 episodes because I still remember this was senior year in high school and I had some friends who had recently discovered Asian dramas and were OBSESSING over it. I... just couldn't get through it. No matter how hard I tried. I tried to recommend the Japanese version, which was BY FAR superior. I couldn't understand what they were seeing? But now I realize they only watched for the eye candy factor, which no longer works for me after watching years and years of Asian dramas. Sometimes not even the eye candy is enticing enough. I can never understand the fandom that came out of BOF. Okay, yes, I still watch for eye candy, but if it's SO BAD sometimes not even the eye candy does it. It's like a super attractive guy...... except he doesn't shower, has horrible taste in clothes, has a whiny obnoxious voice. No matter how greatlooking he is, he is forever off my list.
And probably because I've gotten lots lots more pickier with my dramas....
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annie
March 4, 2011 at 6:16 PM
I agree with all of your points!
And for me HYD was also my first ever Asian drama, so it's all of that awesomeness plus the blush of first love... sigh. I need to go watch it again.
And OMG, I could not understand why everyone loved BOF so much, it was as you said, overdone and obnoxious. Especially Jandi.
I'm really happy to see all the love for the Japanese version on this thread. :)
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clichique
March 4, 2011 at 7:59 PM
I know. What was Geum Jandi?
I saw a girl who was pretty much just annoying and obnoxious. Someone I wouldn't want to be friends with in real life. As opposed to Makino in Hana Yori Dango. I wanted to be friends with that girl.
The Japanese version is SUCH love!!
*goes to listen to WISH for the billionth time*
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annie
March 4, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Yes, exactly! Makino would make such a great friend. I was on her side, cheering her on from the first scene.
Where as with Jandi, I kind of didn't care she was getting bullied. I almost understoond where her tormenters were coming from. :P
Doumyouji falling for Makino was as natural as breathing. She changed his life. Whereas Gunpyo falling for Jandi was just... WTF?
clichique
March 5, 2011 at 12:25 AM
I know! Makino seems like a LEGIT cool girl I would want to be friends with.
Jandi? Uh, no.
And I have no idea what Goo Joonpyo saw behind that atrocious helmet hair, obnoxious voice..... It was like the same feeling I got when I found out certain people I know of got girlfriends/boyfriends. Total wtf moments.
Personally, if I went to that school, I probably wouldn't care if she was bullied. Because she really is obnoxious. I wouldn't hate on her because she's poor, but because she's just plain annoying and up in everybody's faces. Didn't help that Gu Hyesun's portrayal made it so obvious she was trying to be cute. Key point: TRYING. Ugh it was just so painful.
saraha
March 4, 2011 at 8:14 PM
OMG. We went through the same thing!
I have fond memories of Meteor Garden because it was the first Taiwanese drama I watched. The acting was stiff, attributed to that they were all rookies then; but I still have warm, fuzzy feelings when I think about this drama. Most especially because of the f4 chemistry and Barbie Hsu's portrayal. And I used to just laugh/cringe at Jerry Yan's acting-- it was so bad but I just found it funny, not annoying.
With the Korean version, I got so annoyed at Gu Hyesun's portrayal. You're right-- it is so forced and strained. That's why I can't muster any sort of admiration for her at this point. I think she should improve on her acting, but she has instead focused on directing presenting herself as quite the auteur. I do admire her artistic sensibilities, but if she wants to pursue directing instead of acting, I don't think I'll watch her when she DOES act.
*runs away from Gu Hyesun's fans*
So, my favorite is the Japanese version. The scene that killed me (and I still remember vividly) was the scene (in season 2) when Makino ran after Domyouji's sister's car because she had to tell her that she still loves Domyouji and always will. It was, WOW.
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clichique
March 4, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Yes the bromance in Meteor Garden!! I loved it! Plus the fact that they made like a boy band out of it totally got me. Yes, I was still in boy band stage at that stage in my life, so it was right up my ally.
THE BROMANCE between all four of them, especially between Rui and Domyouji, is present in the Japanese version. There is a TRUE BROMANCE going on. I totally forgot about this factor too. In the Korean one, didn't really feel it. Granted, I place some of the blame on The Stone aka Kim Hyunjoong. I mean just that one scene (I'm getting my seasons mixed up, but I think it was season 2 or maybe not idek), where Rui and Makino are walking and then Rui leaves and Domyouji comes and Rui bromantically waves them goodbye.... omg THE BROMANCE.
My favorite scene though is in season 1. The elevator scene and him waiting for her in the rain. That was also the point where I totally broke down and started rooting for Domyouji. I also loved how at the end of season 2 (which I have mixed feelings about, there were some really great parts but also lackluster parts that I felt was like me watching filler anime or something) they tie it back, word for word. At this point I was also breaking down in tears, oh so touching...
Gosh I want to rewatch this now. LOL.
I agree. I used to really REALLY like Gu Hyesun because I had liked some of her works prior to BOF. And then I watched BOF and I was like, what the hell was this??! It was like all of her acting ability disappeared or something, like how her long hair before turned into that horrible helmet hair bowl cut. I can't respect her anymore, and while I admire how she tries to pursue her artistic/production/directing abilities, she first needs to polish her acting skills in the first place. Unless, of course, her end goal from the beginning was to do the work she's doing right now and acting was only a means to get there...... *barricading myself from GHS fans*
annie
March 4, 2011 at 11:26 PM
@ saraha
First loves will always have a special place in our hearts. :)
@ clichique
The elevator scene! One of my favourites. And I broke down in tears at the scene whre he rescues her and then finally regains his memories through the reenactment of that scene. That was so lovely.
I am dying to rewatch this now. We should have a group viewing on OT.
clichique
March 5, 2011 at 12:33 AM
I am so tempted to rewatch this after I finish season 2 of LIar Game.......... which I am like one episode away from. Man, this is so bad, marathoning. Sigh. The disadvantage of watching shows that have already been completed. But when you watch shows airing, you have the uncomfortable weekly wait. What a dilemma.
nonski
March 4, 2011 at 9:08 PM
yeah, same sentiments on BOF, not even Lee Min Ho could change my mind about it and grrrrrrrrrrr,,,,,,KHJ is a STONE in his acting there....
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rose
March 4, 2011 at 5:25 PM
the jap version have the best story build up for me , the sexy hot matsujun perfect for the role, but the taiwanese version is my first love and dao ming si is the tsukasa i fell in love with , so i have the taiwanese and jap as my first and korean second and 3rd the chinese version
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joybells
March 6, 2011 at 5:27 AM
korean version coz it us lee minhoooooooo.....hehe......bt da storyline was a huge mess
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9 TOOIZZY
March 4, 2011 at 7:06 AM
COULD someone please tell me the name of the actor that played the cop in the series QUEEN OF REVERSALS? I've been looking ALL OVER.
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tildy
March 4, 2011 at 8:52 AM
Took some digging, but Mr. Hyuk-not-Woo-hyuk is Yang Jin woo (양진우), and for some reason QOR isn't listed on his dramawiki page.
http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Yang_Jin_Woo
Here's a nice pic:
http://pann.news.nate.com/info/250183196
So, TGIF everyone!
Anyone else watching and enjoying Sparkling/Shining/All that Glitters? Kim Hyun joo is so, so cute in this and I like both families.
My quibbles with the show are mostly about the characterization. The male lead is just the cookie-cutter, run-of-the-mill surly guy. Geum ran, our other main female lead, is kind of a drip. A bitter, mentally unstable drip with a lot of misplaced animosity. She's convinced her circumstances leave her without any choices, but that's not entirely true. There are small moments where I feel awful for her, such as when she talks about not being able to afford college or working at the same bookstore company for years, just to make it from the warehouse to the backroom to the main store to another section of the store. She's meant to be a sympathetic semi-villain, but I'm not sure I feel that sympathetic toward her. Her ex-fiance is beyond vile but he's too cartoonish for me to really hate. What annoys me is the way Geum ran put up with that horrendous, emotionally abusive treatment because this asshole has a bright future ahead of him as a prosecutor. Geum ran's childhood sweetheart/friend Dae bum is written as too nice a guy. He's overwhelmingly passive and comes off as a bit of a doormat. His baby is just ADORABLE, though.
In any case, I've only been talking about the parts I dislike but I've actually been loving the show and Kim Hyun joo's Han Jung won is a really lovable protagonist. The show has dark moments but plenty of light, fluffy fun and laughs.
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