April:: KDrama Heaven :: Love Rain

If your not watching a currently airing kdrama this month you totally should be.. this month is JAMMED packed with amazing actors & story lines that you definitely don't want to miss.. I'm going to try and highlight a few I'm watching in my next couple of posts.


Love Rain

um... how can I not mention this one first! Its has my one true Korean love (aside from Lee Min Ho, T.O.P., Song Joong Ki, Kim Hyun Joong, Yonghwa.... uh - okay maybe not my only one) Jang Geun Suk & Girls Generation's [SNSD] Yoona.
 

Because I am such a devoted and loyal fan of Jang Geun Suk, I would have watched this drama till end no matter what, and after watching this first episode I thought I was going to have to suffer through it for my love.  Yet despite the rather slow, very moody start things picked up about episode 3. 

While the story starts off in the 70s (with very impressive sceneries & cinematography btw) about an artist's [Jang Geun Suk] love at first sight experience [w/Yoona]. It doesn't take long for things to become complicated when his best friend also falls for the same girl.

About episode 4 we are left wondering what happened to those heartbroken lovers and jilted to present day Korea where we meet their modern day counterparts..

Anyways that's where I left off and really can't tell you anymore since, well, I haven't watched it! I wouldn't say this drama is for everyone and you almost have to want to watch it for you to connect with the storyline. Still, I'm hooked and I want more.


Stay tuned for my thoughts on Fashion King, Rooftop Prince, & King 2 Hearts!

Currently Watching :: A Lot

I think I am going to start doing this "Currently Watching" post once a week... what I'm watching always changes and I like sharing it with you guys so I can get your opinions/feedback.

Still Watching

Bachelor's Vegetable Store :: The season finale of this series will air on Friday night. I wish I could say I'm sad to see this drama end but frankly I'm not. Barely anything has happened in the past 16 episodes and I felt like the last two episodes I watched were overflowing with "progress." Its super unfortunate because I really wanted to love this drama but it just sucks. 

Too many tears. Too little character development. No real connection anymore - just annoyance.

Last Episode Watched - 18

Shut Up Flower Boy Band :: Still loving this drama but I'm beginning to wonder where they are going to go with the storyline. Six episodes in and a lot has already happened but what now? 

But hey there are like 6 hot guys in this drama and awesome music. Not gonna complain.

Last Episode Watched -  6

Just Started Watching

Iris :: I feel dumb for taking this long to watch this drama. Despite being a budget breaking blockbuster this drama could have been all talk, but instead it had my heart racing from the first moment. I definitely get a City Hunter action vibe from this series and am really intrigued to see if there will be a romance factor just as fiery. 

Not to mention the all star cast! 

Last Episode Watched -  3.

Princess Jellyfish :: After watching a bit of Fruits Basket the other day I was missing anime - badly. Being out of the anime game for a bit I really wasn't sure what to watch. Luckily @WelcomeGhosts was able to give me a few suggestions and Princess Jellyfish was one of them.

This is a nice change of pace from all the dramas I've been watching. Super lighthearted and great animation this series is making miss anime!!! Maybe its time to re-watch Peach Girl too! lol.

Last Episode Watched - 4

Currently Watching :: Shut Up Flower Boy Band

Geez these drama names are getting longer & longer!

I was definitely not going to watch this drama. After suffering painfully through the last flower disaster [Flower Boy Ramyun Shop] I was so skeptical that this too would be just a big fluffy pile of fluff.

Here's how it happened.

I follow Gummimochi on Twitter and couldn't help but notice that she kept raving on how good this show was. After going back and forth & asking her if it was worth it I decided to take my chances and watch the first episode and wow.... I almost missed out on a really good drama. 

the basic info

Six guys. Best friends. School Transfer. New Enemies. Love. Angst.

and MUSIC!

thoughts so far

 i like!!! I truly was super skeptical watching the first episode but I am really starting to love this drama. There are so many different characters that it is kinda hard to keep up with at first (though they are all sooo cute I really shouldn't complain) but each of them has their own little back story & characteristics so it makes almost everyone enjoyable to watch.

I will it admit that there is a lot of "omgeeez my life is so hard, no one gets me" moments, but it hasn't become annoying [yet]. I even kinda like the antagonist Seung-Hoon for not being the stereotypical mean guy & even has some depth to his character.

Jung Eui-Chul as Seung-Hoon

With only 4 episodes aired so far I really think you should jump on this drama while its hot. Even though it is currently airing in Korea on Mondays and Tuesdays, Dramafever does a great job getting the episodes subbed & up on their site, usually same day for US users, so you can be up to date with the latest episode.

Let me know if you guys are watching too!

Currently Watching :: Ouran

In preparation for our next podcast I have decided to start watching jdramas/doramas this month..While I must admit its been tough since I already miss my beloved kdramas friends keep telling me that I'm going to get hooked... we'll see bout that...

First thoughts

While the anime wasn't exactly mind blowing it was still enjoyable. Its pretty amazing that the same things I loved about the anime, the fun over the top characters have translated very well into this real life version. I can't begin to tell you how much it irks me when characters you love from an anime or manga are totally reimagined and become something completely different. Like seriously, don't mess with a good thing. (the biggest fail for me was Miwako from the live action Paradise Kiss -- thats another story tho)

Yamamoto Yusuke as Suou Tamak

The drama is currently on the same level as the anime was for me. Its cute. The actors are fun. You still totally love Tamaki despite his self centered ways. Its nice.


Then again I'm only on episode 3. lol.


Stay tuned.

BRB

I'm still here. I've just been hooked on Secret Garden (kdrama) & editing the podcast I'm working on for JapanCinema.net

Good stuff coming soon. I promise.

Currently Watching :: OVERLOAD

Since I've been watching so much We Got Married it seems I have fallen behind on my dramas! There are so many out there that I currently want to watch I thought I would give you a heads up about what kdramas are on my "to be watched" list...

Already Aired KDramas to be Watched

Dream High

My manager swears by this drama and thats saying a lot. After watching BOF she seriously couldn't watch any other kdrama until she decided to watch Dream High. One of the reason it didn't initially catch my eye because there are no stand out familiar faces I loved. Reason I want to watch it now? Other than the fact that I will get eternal love from my manager, I also want to watch this drama because Dream High 2 will be premiering at the end of the month. Its not very often that kdramas get a second season (even though its a whole new cast) so Dream High must be worth the hype. We'll see.




Flower Boy Ramyun Shop

Again, within the world of kdramas there are very few that get sequels or second seasons. Flower Boy Ramyun Shop is actually a part of Oh! Boy Series that will entail several different shows. While the Oh! Boy Series deserves a post on its own (which I'm sure I'll get around to but you'll just have to head over to Dramabeans in the meantime) but basically all the dramas in this series will be aimed at younger audience with pretty "flower boy" leads. Honestly I didn't know all this until just the other day but it sounds like a good thing, well at least if you're a female viewer! lol. Anyways its on my to do list.


Currently Airing Drama to be Watched

Bachelor’s Vegetable Store

This drama I want to watch for the sole purpose of Wang Ji Hye. If you don't remember she is the same actress who played in both Personal Taste & Protect the Boss. While she usually plays a cutthroat, evil character I'm hoping that she will actually be his leading lady. I really have no clue but saw that she was in this drama and instantly wanted to watch.

As soon as I wrap up this post I'll probably start watching one of these dramas. Let me know if you have seen or are watching any of these dramas because its always fun to share the journey! lol. I hope you all have a great night/morning!

We Got Married :: The Basics

I recently started watching We Got Married. Since the show is so big and is currently in its third season I will be writing several posts about the series labeled 

"We Got Married :: ______"

If you visit almost any Korean entertainment site or blog its almost certain you will find some mention of the MBC variety show We Got Married. Currently in its third season, We Got Married is not a show that you can easily ignore. WGM not only has a tremendous following, but has also become the show that many idols/celebrities want to be on!

I started watching We Got Married based on the fact that I simply couldn't escape it any longer. I was getting tired of reading articles the constantly mentioned the show. [Don't get me wrong not this is not an every day occurrence but definitely something that happens almost weekly.] Thus I set out to watch this very popular variety show.

So where should should you start watching? Start from the beginning? Watch only the episodes that your favorite celebrities are in?

Where did I start? Right at the beginning with episode 1. The show is a sweet mixture of laughs & sweet moments. I don't regret starting at the beginning (first episode aired in 2008), but I probably wouldn't recommend it. I think at this point in show if you are a fan of a certain idol/celebrity I would start at the episode where they are introduced. Otherwise you might find yourself not really into whats going on and constantly wondering how many episodes are left till they are on.

Worth the hype?

Yes and No. Korean celebrities' privacy is respected more in Korea. Because of that you won't find quite the amount of candid pictures as you would in the United States. While this is a great thing for the celebrities it can leave the fans always wanting more and this is why I think WGM is quite the hit. Its almost as if you've been invited to see what they are like on a day to day basis.

There also the fact that you are seeing them in a relationship and how the act towards that person. You'd think that fact that you're watching your favorite celebrity in relationship would be such a downer (especially since fans can become rather upset when celebrities are in a real relationship) but its actually really endearing! One of my favorite examples of this is Kim Hyun Joong. Don't get me wrong, he was still Mr. Cool the entire time he's on but you also get to see his human side [like when he didn't catch fish when they spent the whole afternoon fishing or he is asking the cameraman to kill a bug for him!].

No because there are so many episodes. I mean how many times do we need to watch them try to cook or "almost kiss." Plus some of the couples are just kinda boring.

Where can I watch?

MySoju & Veoh.com both have WGM subbed. MySoju is great because since each episode of WGM is in several parts, it has the link on the right hand side of the next video you're supposed to watch. Veoh, on the other hand is somewhat of a pain because after you finish watching one video you have to search again for the next part of the episode. I will admit that lately I have been watching more on Veoh.com because MySoju has been taking forever to load and I'm not sure why.


Final Thoughts.

I am no where near being done with this series as I am currently only on Episode 20 of Season 1. I am bummed that I waited so long to jump on the WGM bandwagon though. Out of the original couples I think the only person I knew was Andy (from Shinhwa) but because  I started watching at the beginning I now love CrownJ, Solbi, Saori, and Hwangbo. 

While Kim Hyun Joong is still super cute, I'm looking forward to seeing Kangin (Super Junior), Taeyeon (SNSD), Jung Yonghwa, UEE, and Leeteuk (Super Junior).

So if you're not wanting to watch the 38493483 episodes that have aired I would definitely recommend at least checking out the episodes with your favorite celebrities. You'll probably love them even more than you already do and maybe even fall in love with a new one!

*********** Don't forget I'm having a giveaway that's still open!!! Check it out!! **************

Just Started Watching :: Heartstrings

Last night I started watching the first episode of the kdrama Heartstrings. It wasn't till I started watching that I realized that Park Shin Hye and Jung Yong Hwa were both in it.

That was definitely a pleasant surprise. I liked them both in You're Beautiful but towards the end Jung Yong Hwa's character annoyed me to no end. Luckily his character in Heartstrings has much more confidence and isn't a huge tool.

Thoughts after watching the first episode?

I am excited to watch this series. Park's character, Lee Gyu Won, is a strong female who is attending school studying traditional Korean folk music (she plays the gayageum, a traditional korean instrument). Jung Yong Hwa plays Lee Shin, an arrogant musician who all the girls loves yet loves nothing in his life. They end up meeting through several different encounters, and eventually end up competing to see who can play music with more "heart." Thus the basis of the storyline is established. 

So far I'm loving everything. It always annoys me how in kdramas some of the female leads can be so unrealistically nice and lose themselves to their villainous counterparts, but Lee Gyu Won isn't one of those females.  She's holding her own, especially when Lee Shin keeps hurling insults and putting her down. That just makes me love her character all the more. It'll be interesting to see how the subplots work out though.

Right now I'm not really into any of the other characters in the drama but seeing as it is only the first episode I shouldn't write them off just yet.

Enough talk, got to go watch episode 2 now!


*** Read my followup post about watching this series ----> "I Cheated" ***

New Love :: Jang Geun Suk 장근석

He has been dominating both my kdrama playlist and my iTunes music library so it was imperative that I shared my love. While I am slowly graduating from Kdrama newbie to novice I am starting to become more familiar with some of famous actors & actresses.

 

Lee Minho ::sigh::

 Up until this point my favorite leading man has been Lee Minho [duh right? who DOESNT like him?!] One of things I love about Lee Minho, especially in City Hunter, is that his characters are always so "manly" yet totally fashionable. So what happened to cause me to fall for another Hallyu star??! A friend recommended I watch "You're Beautiful" because I'm a sucker for the romantic comedy, love triangles. So I did and I loved it! Jang Geun Suk was such cute and likable lead despite him acting totally spoiled and arrogant. What was even better is he sings in it!! :::faints::::

The only thing that kinda threw me was the aweful wardrobe he wore, though to be fair that entire series had the worst fashion of any kdrama I have seen thus far.

uh nice clothes?

Anyways, I decided to watch another one of Jang Geun Suk's dramas "Marry Me Mary."  This drama is tied with BOF as my favorite kdrama! Jang Geun Suk plays an indie artist named Mu-Gyul, a womanizer and somewhat of a hippie ,who meets a girl who makes him pretend to be her husband. Scandalous right?! Trust me, two episodes in and the drama is unbelievable! So good.

Again, another bonus to this series is he sings in it. I must admit, at first, I thought the soundtrack/OST was super corny, but as time goes on and the songs play over and over (and over and over) throughout the series you being to really love them & Jang Geun Suk's deep voice. Its pretty crazy because even when I wasn't that familiar with the songs I could still pick out his voice even when listening on my iPhone since is voice it so deep! I love it.

So now I'm officially hooked. I am now proactively looking for his other dramas and movies to watch.

So there you have it. My new love Jang keun Suk. <3

***All pictures taken from actor's Facebook accounts