#DearHongRang mini review

 My Dearest HongRang (Mini Review)

Synopsis (based on Tangeum: Swallowing Gold by Jang Da-hye): HongRang, the son of a wealthy merchant family in Joseon who went missing at the age of eight, returns twelve years later but with no memories of his past.

This is only my 2nd time watching both #LeeJaeWook (Impossible Heir) and #JoBoAh (Destined with You). Did you know that they have a common denominator – Rowoon, Wookie’s close friend and Bo Ah’s leading man in DWY. Incidentally, the two good-looking actors will enlist in Korea’s military service this year.

What I like about the drama:

• With only 11 episodes, #DearHongRang will be remembered for its cast’s powerful performances, beautiful cinematography, costumes and OST. 

• As always, when you watch Lee Jae Wook, you would want to comfort him and take away all his sadness. Those eyes and built (slim and tall at 1.87m). Haayyyy. Now you know whom I’ve sided with when he broke up with you-know-who. There’s also this behind-the-scenes video of the cast greeting him on his birthday while filming. I was thinking, how can they do that to him? Singing saeng-il chukha-hamnida during an intense and super emotional scene? That was so ruthless.

• It was also revealed in one of his interviews that he initially declined this role, with 2 hit seasons of Alchemy of Soul. But the writer, he said, sent a moving letter to him along with the script, describing Hongrang's character vis-à-vis his acting. According to Jae Wook, he reopened the script after that, touched with the writer's appreciation of his craft.

• #JungGaram’s portrayal of MuJin, the adopted son who was supposed to replace the missing HongRang. So far, I’ve seen him in GangNam B-Side and The Interest of Love.

• While he made me cry in Melo Movie, here in DH, he is so evil. Yes, the other Jaewook – #KimJaeWook as Prince Han Pyeong.

• The thing about k-dramas set during the Joseon Dynasty, it’s difficult to tell who’s who because of the make-up and costumes. Hahaha but there's a lot of Netflix regulars and familiar faces e.g. #UhmJiWon and Hyper Knife's Dr. Han (#ParkByungEun)

• Even with the supernatural elements in the drama, there is no way the Soul Reaper would survive the toxic chemicals placed on his body/skin, and the wounds he sustained during the final fight. His death was cruel. But not in vain. He was able to fulfill his mission and exact his revenge. And what consoles us too is knowing that after all the suffering, even for a short while, and even if it came to that point, HongRang and JaeYi found love and peace with each other. And who knows, they might be given another chance in another lifetime. 

But hey writers, I hope you gave us at least the satisfaction of giving the couple a child. For JaeYi to have someone after losing HongRang. For someone to continue the Soul Reaper’s legacy.  That would have made it more meaningful, more emotionally rewarding. 

I hate sad endings, but in this case, I can make an exception. Dear Hongrang reminds us of how things really are in this world. That we cannot always have happy or sweet endings. But this life's reality can also offer hope, comfort, and inspiration. That pain, loss, struggles, and adversities can make us stronger and help us become better persons. And that giving up personal interests and making sacrifices are sometimes needed to achieve the greater good.

Dear HongRang is streaming on Netflix.\

#BuhayKPam

#ResidentPlaybook Mini Review

Synopsis: Set at the Jongno branch of Yulje Medical Center, the series follows the hospital lives, loves and friendships of new generation doctors/young OB-GYN residents.

Like Weak Hero Class 2, I entered the world of Resident Playbook (RP) without seeing its predecessor Hospital Playlist (HP) although again, it is not a requirement. After 2 highly rated seasons of HP and after almost four years comes RP which is supposed to be a spin-off, with the same hospital setting and cameo from HP characters. 

• #GoYounJung as Oh Yi Young – whom I loved in #Moving, repeat first year resident

• #ShinSiAh as Pyo Nam Kyung 

• #KangYouSeok as Um Jae-Il – whom I first liked in Kim Woo Bin’s Black Knight, then saw him again in #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines

• #HanYeJi as Kim Sabi

• Male lead is #JungJoonWon as Ku Do Won – a 4th-year and chief resident of OB-GYN and the brother-in-law of Yi Young’s older sister.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like it, seeing how Yi Young seemed to be demotivated and disengaged with her life, but because of You Seok, I decided to give it a try. And boy, what a ride. I fell in love!!!

What I love about the drama:

1. The male lead and female lead’s chemistry. While some k-netz would insist that Youn Jung is too pretty for her on-screen partner, I find Joon Won so attractive, charming, adorable and he could pass as Jung Haein’s brother (I thought he was older but turns out he’s also an 88er). They look so good together and I couldn’t help but swoon every time. I wanted them to end up together so baaaddddd. I especially liked that Yi Young was the first to say she likes him. I love strong female characters who will not hesitate or are not shy to admit their feelings. It doesn’t matter if these feelings will be reciprocated or not. Willing to wait, no pressure. I simply lost it during the jaw-dropping moment when she held his hand during a department photo session. OMG. I understand why Do Won took it slow. Their siblings are married, they live under the same roof, they work in the same hospital. It could be complicated. And I guess, if he liked her first, he just wasn’t acknowledging it or he wasn’t ready, considering the circumstances.

2. Like I said, I thought I wasn’t going to like Yi Young. But as the story continues, I realize that she is just unaware that she is good and that she is beautiful. At the time of this writing (waiting for Episode 11), we don’t know yet why she quit her previous job. What was told to us was her rich father planned to open a hospital but got scammed, she needed to pay back her overdraft, she paid a deposit on an apartment where she didn’t move in anyway. So, she was working not because she wanted to or because she liked the job, but because of her debt. Edited to add: We finally learn that she quit after biting one of the doctors who was harassing a nurse. 

3. Um Jae Il deserves his own paragraph in this review.  What a lovely actor. One couldn’t help but notice how chiseled his nose is and if you look past his untidy permed bangs, you see a beautiful face. As for his character, Um Jay, a former idol and member of Hi Boyz, a one-hit wonder in mid2000s (I guess even older than BTS?), his IQ and mental skills led him to medical school. He still wants to be recognized as an idol, but no one seems to remember the group. He is like a mother who has a carry-all bag - from hangover drinks to power bank to fabric cleaner to camera. He is too nice (not really a pushover), he’s just too kind-hearted and warm by nature. He may be an overthinker or clingy or annoying to his seniors, but he is a sweet person.

4. Their relationship with colleagues, patients and the backstories as well (too many to mention though). But there are a lot of moving and memorable scenes.

5. Kind mentors who are not really “witches” but are just professional and strict. And that there is also competition, power play, struggles in their level.  And there will always be nasty and difficult superiors or co-workers, and credit-grabbers.

6. The special cameos from beloved HP characters – again, for someone who didn’t watch HP, I can follow the story without them, but it was a nice way of seeing how settled our senior characters are now with their lives and loves. That they come back to their roots, show loyalty and gratitude, and help and inspire colleagues is endearing.

7. Episode 9 is THE one for me. There is an actual Hi Boyz full performance video! When the Day Comes” featuring You Seok as Um Jay, and TXT’s Yeonjun, and Soobin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMuFTog_Xv8

8. Births and death being fundamental aspects of life, hopes and fears, small and big wins, learning from mistakes and experiences, earning trust and respect from mentors and colleagues, building confidence, making the right decisions, growing up. No intricate plot twists or villains or scenes that will make your blood boil to the max, although of course we didn’t exactly like Dr. Eun Won. The romance between the leads is not the main focus, but they added to the thrill and charm of the drama. The “wrapping up” part in the final episode gives you hope and a glimpse of better things to come; and at the same time, makes you realize that some things may or may not change or are still work in progress. 

9. The OST. Simply amazing. Star-studded lineup which includes DO, DK of SEVENTEEN, aespa’s Winter, TXT, Stray Kids' Lee Know, Mido, and Falasol.

10. I have always believed in dramas where you ‘re not really a fan of the cast, but you end up loving the story, the characters and their struggles and growth, and simply everything. And when it ends, you feel the sepanx.

#ResidentPlaybook tells us that love can be shown in many ways – it doesn't have to be flashy or loud. It can be just sitting silently in a corner or waiting nearby, but it doesn't mean it’s not worthy or is less important.  

That you cannot force love. If it is meant to happen, it will just happen. That if it is meant for you, it is meant to be, all the pieces will fit at the right time.

That sometimes the simplest of things are the ones that matter. Moments, milestones and memories that guide you and help shape your life and the person that you are. The ones that don’t often make it to the headlines or social media are perhaps more real and lasting and will continue to reside in your own playbook.

Resident Playbook and Hospital Playlist are streaming on Netflix.

#BuhayKPam

#WeakHeroClass2 Mini Review Part 2

 Not for the Weak (Weak Hero Class 2 mini review)

PART 2

From PART 1>>> https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18UZzbtxuM/

What I like about the drama:

1. Bigger and badder foes versus stronger and mature friends. Si Eun lost his friends and is trying to overcome the trauma, unresolved guilt, and pain. He has no intention of getting close to anyone again after that.  “I’m more comfortable alone.” But the three guys are not giving up, continuing to break through his defenses (it was during their volunteer activity that Si Eun’s first smile appeared (while trying not to show that he is smiling), upon realizing how Hu Min got the wrong numbers of the girls from Buli High. He was about to leave Korea and study in Singapore, but hearing Jun Tae telling him that what happened to his old friends was not his fault made him stay. They were not blaming or judging him.

2. Choosing your own path – choosing good or evil. I wish I knew more about Hu Min and Baek Jin’s friendship. The friendship we failed to protect. I can still see love for each other in their eyes, there is pain all over. But it seems the gap is too wide now for them to reconcile and accept everything. Too bad, their story was underdeveloped. And I guess we didn’t get much for the rest of the guys, either. 

3. The comparison between Beom Seok (played by Hong Kyung) and Jun Tae – old friend and new friend. Beom Seok in Class 1 was devoured by the system, his need for acceptance and belonging led him to darkness. Jun Tae, on the other hand, is love and light personified. While we did not see his family or background, he seems to live comfortably. He is refined, dresses nicely, has knowledge of supplements, and is able to spend money on food and drinks for the bullies. As mentioned, he lacks fighting skills, is timid and gentle, but in the end, he showed his strength in terms of loyalty and EQ.

4. Newton’s Third law of Motion “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction” – standing up against school bullying and violence despite the consequences; struggling to do what is right in a world where no adults seem to be around, where nobody seems to care; breaking free from such violent patterns and writing your own story. Choosing peace over violence - Both Hu Min and Si Eun gave up fighting, but in the end, they decided, once and for all, to face The Union with a purpose. To protect Eunjang High’s peace, and their own peace as well.

5. Sun Ho’s appearance, no matter how brief, will always leave a mark. “You been alright? Who are those guys behind you?” “My friends.” “That’s awesome.” And Si Eun’s second smile capped the season. 

6. The OST during opening credits - Hero (Prod. by Primary) - song and lyrics by Meego – continues to haunt me up to now.

7. Chemistry. The rapport is apparent, there is real bromance. Some of them have worked with each other in previous dramas and we can see the closeness among the cast during interviews and guesting stints, and in their Instagram stories/posts.

Season 3? Maybe. Especially as we see the CEO recruiting Seong Je to replace Baek Jin. But I have faith in our good squad. They will pull through. They’re stronger and smarter. 

#WeakHeroClass1 and #WeakHeroClass2 are streaming on Netflix.

#BuhayKPam

#WeakHeroClass2 Mini Review Part 1

 Not for the Weak (Weak Hero Class 2 mini review)

Synopsis: 

Fighting his personal battles after losing his friends in Season 1, Yeon Si Eun transfers to another high school, only to face greater violence from a powerfully organized school gang, The Union, with his new squad.

I’m a sucker for male friendships or boy bonding underdog dramas, be it a group (Hwarang, Crash Landing On You, Twinkling Watermelon), trio (Start Up, Divorce Attorney Shin) or just two guys (Descendants of the Sun, Midnight Runners) with a close relationship and emotional connection built over time and shared experiences. I’m sure there’s a longer list out there, but hey bromance, #WeakHeroClass2 (WHC2), I’m all yours!

Although I was not able to watch Weak Hero Class 1 (it was not a requirement anyway) and I literally had to pause and think before pressing Play, I was drawn to this drama because of #Ryeoun (TW, 18 Again) who plays Park Hu Min/Baku, Eunjang High’s top dog, and #LeeJunYoung (Imitation, May I Help You, Mask Girl, Melo Movie, When Life Gives You Tangerines) who plays Seong Je, #2 villain. And nobody can ever resist #ParkJiHoon (Si Eun’s eyes alone could break your heart into bits and pieces, and that rare smile). And I now understand why #ChoiHyunWook (Twenty Five, Twenty One, My Dearest Nemesis) is so popular, his Ahn Su Ho character here is indeed lovable and charming, the same with his Yi Chang in TW. The other two good guys are #ChoiMinYoung (XO Kitty, Twenty Five, Twenty One), who plays Jun Tae, a bullying victim who shows so much class in this drama, might be the weakest in the group literally but has the strongest heart; and #LeeMinJae (Crash Course in Romance, Cheer Up) who plays Hyun Tak, a former athlete who lost the opportunity to compete further due to a knee injury courtesy of Seong Je. The bad guys? Aside from LJY, #BaeNara plays a perfect Baek Jin (yes, this 34-year-old can pass as a high school student).

I am not for bullying and school violence, well no one is, but why is this theme all over k-dramas? What is happening??? Is this for real? Where are the parents, where are the school administrators, where are the teachers, where are the police??? This is so scary. Hello - The Glory, Boyhood, Friendly Rivalry, Moving, Revenge of Others, Hierarchy, among others. The violence, the bloody fights, the adrenaline rush, the fear and pain and the struggle to survive – WHC2 is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Some say Season 1 is better (storytelling, character development, action, acting) and after 3 years, is Season 2 worth the wait? 

#BuhayKPam