The First Night with the Duke

 Feel ko lang #Taecyeon likes #Seohyun 😁 he is so comfortable with her on and off screen, although he said in an interview that he accepted this project because of his female lead. Kung hindi lang natin alam na may fiancee siya, mag-iisip ako ng masama 😁😁😁

The chemistry - another 2PM and SNSD/Girls' Generation pair, after YoonA and Lee JunHo in King The Land, in his come back after #Heartbeat (dito talaga, para silang magkuya ng FL, walang spark for me), Taec teams up with Seohyun in #TheFirstNightWithTheDuke 

Streaming Viu Philippines

#OhMyGhostClients mini review

 👻#OhMyGhostClients mini review 👻

Watched this first and foremost because of the cast. I like #JungKyungHo (Crash Course in Romance), #SeolInAh (Twinkling Watermelon), and #ChaHakYeon (Castaway Diva).

Lawyer No Mu Jin quit his job but lost his savings after entrusting it to a friend (played by Kim Dae Myung in a cameo role) who invested in cryptocurrency. He decided to become a licensed labor attorney per another friend’s suggestion, and opened a firm but struggled to sustain it with no clients coming in. He and his sister-in-law and secretary Hui Joo teamed up with content creator Gyeon Woo to promote his services. In one of their site inspections, a near-death experience caused him to start seeing ghosts whose passings are work-related and to continue to live, he signed a contract with spirit guide Bo Sal (played by Tang Soon Jang) to help these ghosts with their unfair deaths and unresolved labor issues, move on and finally rest in peace.

Because this drama has supernatural / fantasy elements, suspension of disbelief is necessary to enjoy the narrative. Reminiscent of dramas May I Help You and Light Shop which deal with life and life after death, OMGClients may seem silly, and trite in some scenes, but it hits you where it should. It’s sweet and serious and emotional and touching in more ways than one. 

We can see Mu Jin’s character development from a husband who, according to his wife Mi Joo (played by Kyung Soo Jin) is carefree, makes decisions on his own without consulting her and finds it hard to show his affections to his family as he hides what he truly feels; to someone who shows genuine care and concern to people, including those he has met only as ghosts, to the point of being physically hurt, sometimes a bit naïve or clueless on trends, but a real expert when it comes to labor law.

The plot twist with Mu Jin’s brother (played by Jin Sun Kyu) – I believe I saw it coming but I wanted to feel the ohhh moment just the same. And I did! I bet everyone who saw that scene went back to Episode 5 when he visited his parents’ house and saw his hyung. The dinner scene in the last episode really teared me up.

And then there are the real labor issues, politics and corruption, maybe not just in South Korea, but in other countries as well; and the correct use of social media to expose issues and concerns that are not being addressed.

The statue in the drama, as I have later learned, is supposed to be Jeon Tae il. Jeon Tae-il was a South Korean labor activist who, at the age of 22, died by setting himself on fire while shouting, "We are not machines!" to draw public attention to the labor conditions at that time. His death inspired a new wave of labor activism and civil rights awareness in South Korea, and it is said that his legacy continues to influence labor movements and social justice campaigns in Korea.

A Race, from the drama’s OST, was sung by In Ah and Hak Yeon whose chemistry on screen is evident. You can hear the song in the background as Mu Jin brings young friend Yoon Jae on a road trip in Episode 7, to make him realize that life is still worth living. Watch the MV here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PvcPrEGORg... Incidentally, Hak Yeon is aka N, a former idol, a member of the boy band VIXX.

Great cast, good storyline and storytelling, and a heartbreaking finale that ties up loose ends perfectly.  All episodes with the ghosts left me teary-eyed, as we are reminded once again of our temporary existence in this world. And that we should take advantage of every chance that we get to tell our loved ones that we love them, apologize to those whom we have wronged or hurt, be kind, and live life right and to the fullest as much as possible. OMGClients is “ghosting” us, but in a good way.

OMGClients is streaming Netflix and Viu Philippines

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#NinePuzzles Mini Review Part 2

• At some point, it dragged, it could have been shorter than 11 episodes. And they didn’t show in flashbacks how each murder was done. For some oohs and aahs moments. But I guess, the focus was more on why and who.

• I liked that they didn’t add a romantic angle. Some dramas should be left like that, please don’t force something that shouldn’t be there. True, Han Saem changed her mind about Ena, and he started to be concerned with her and her safety. He even brought her back to his mom’s place. But that’s it. She’s more like a younger sister to him and a colleague whom he started to respect.

• I loved the ending scene, though. Spoiler alert: Looks like Ms Yoon will re-join the force. 

Some would say that the series ended "flat, weak and rushed" and that it was "underwhelming." That the twist wasn’t that mind-blowing. Ah ok, is that it? In the Phils, we'd say: Yun na yun? 

Well, a little, maybe. But Suk Ku’s smile made it all worthwhile. And these eccentric and cop roles really do suit him to a nine (pun intended).

Nine Puzzles is streaming at Disney+ PH 

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#NinePuzzles Mini Review Part 1

Synopsis: 

Ten years ago, Ena (#KimDaMi) was a suspect in the murder of her uncle, a high-ranking police officer. Now a profiler, she was forced to collaborate with the same detective Han Saem (#SonSukKu) to piece together the truth, one puzzle piece at a time. 

For someone who has anxiety and panic disorder, it’s a puzzle why I love this genre – suspense/thriller/mystery/crime. Even the books I’m reading and love to read tell the same thing. Maybe I was a cop or a detective, or a forensic science expert in some other life, or in a multiverse. 

I am not exactly a fan of Da Mi (#ItaewonClass #OurBelovedSummer) but I am of Suk Ku (#MyLiberationNotes #AKillerParadox). I find him charming. He has this strange appeal and quirkiness, and he seems to hide a soft and tender side under that stoic stance. Suk Ku, incidentally, speaks good English having studied abroad and initially wanted to be a basketball player but eventually fell in love with acting. His years in the US and Canada, he said, enabled him to outgrow his shyness, in fact, his MBTI is ENFP.

What I like about the drama:

• Stellar cast / star-studded. I love the familiar faces. Some behind the scenes photos of the cast in their Instagram accounts show that they had their bonding moments during the filming and even gorgeous handsome #LeeJunHyuk who is Suk Ku’s friend IRL visited them on the set.

• Looked forward to the brief reunion between Itaewon’s Da Mi and #LeeJooYoung (who plays patrol officer Nam Na Ri).

• Han Saem’s signature move - when he takes off his beanie and reveals his messy hair – means he’s mad and exasperated.

• Please take note that I’m not a female lead hater, but not a fan either of #ParkGyuYoung (#SquidGame #AGoodDayToBeADog) who plays Dr. Lee Seung Joo

• Intricate plot – the kind that you like to untangle, every detail should be noted and remembered because you want to find out for yourself who the killer is. Usually, I have my own theories, and I can name the culprit even before the lead characters do. Here, the “killer” was one of my guesses, but I wasn’t giving much attention to the character. It was in plain sight. But I chose to look the other way (which was what the writer wanted) and there were a lot to choose from, until they die one by one 😅😅😅

To be continued >>>Part 2

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Mercy for None

Power, ambition, revenge.

After his brother's murder, a former gangster returns to the underworld - ready to settle every score, by any means necessary.

#MercyForNone

#SoJiSub

#LeeJunHyuk

Limited Series | All 7 episodes streaming Netflix

#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