Surplus Princess (The Mermaid) Episodes 1 - 7 Review

source: Viki.com

Hello fellow drama fans!

I know it's been *literally* forever since I've written on this blog. Don't worry, though, I've been watching Kdramas continuously even though I haven't been writing about it lately.

Right now I'm watching It's Okay, That's Love, Triangle, You're All Surrounded, and Surplus Princess which is the drama I'm here to discuss with you all. It's a bit eccentric, a lot cute, and exactly the type of drama I love. If you like comedy, romance, magic, and colorful sets and fashion, then I recommend this drama to you.

I know the big question we're all dying to find out the answer to is whether Kim Ha Ni (Jo Bo Ah from Shut Up Flower Boy Band) will end up with the apple bottomed Kwon Shi Kyung (Song Jae Rim) or the adorable unemployed Lee Hyun Myung (Oh Joo Wan).

Here's where I stand: TEAM HYUN MYUNG! 100%. I know that Song Jae Rim is about twice as hot, and Shi Kyung is obviously the more attractive candidate because he's a successful chef, but Ha Ni is looking for pure, true love not sex. Hyun Myung's past relationship is proof that he can give his all to a girl that he loves, and I feel the chemistry between him and Ha Ni.

I'm not sure where this will leave Shi Kyung. He suffers from the strange illness of not remembering people's faces (cough Nice Guy cough), but it's seems more inconvenient than debilitating in his case. I think that Ha Ni could make him laugh and open him up to have more fun, but maybe he needs more of a serious life partner. I'm not suggesting that he gets with Hyun Myung's gold-digging ex, but, if she can learn to look beyond money and power, then maybe there could be something between them.

source: mychanchans.tumblr.com

Also, you know I love that Kim Seul Gi is in this show. She's so spunky and awesome. I still remember the first time she came on screen in Flower Boy Next Door with those bags under her eyes and her screaming fits. I am so glad she's getting ample screen time in this drama.

Viki.com is diligently subbing episode 8, and I hope to watch it tonight!

Korean and Taiwanese Drama Suggestions and recommendations!

image source: fanpop.com

So, if you follow me on Tumblr, you may have noticed that I recently posted my updated Asian Drama List (click here to view on blog) (click here to view on tumblr). I got a great response from it, and a lot of suggestions. I thought I would share them with you all because you might also be looking for suggestions, or you might have even more to add to the list. Disclaimer: As I stated above, these are suggestions that I received from my awesome tumblr chingus, and, while I trust them with my heart, I cannot vouch for the quality of all these dramas because I haven't watched them, hence the reason they were recommended to me. If you want to see my recommendations and VVIP dramas please look here or read my reviews here.

These suggestions are compiled from recommendations made by: withoutaffection, sarangdrama, daezelochan, r3cklessbeauuutyy, ultrakdramamama, ifil-ifellinlove, ocat25, ocddee, bitinglightning, xiao-lulu, annemarcus, wanna-wonder-about-fandoms, officialbootyhunter, d-x2, shineestofuleader14, tattooednoona, Salve Grace Losbanes (via twitter). I received a few anon tips, so I can't tag you, but thanks! Also, if I managed to miss you but you recommended something (tumblr doesn't make it easy to keep track of messages or replies), please let me know so I can tag you.

Currently Airing Dramas:

1.   Secret Love Affair
2.   Emergency Couple (I'm totes caught up now)
3.   Bride of the Century
4.   God's Gift/ 14 Days
5.   Sly and Single Again/ Cunning and Single Again

Off-Air Dramas:

6.   I Hear Your Voice (I watched most of this last summer, I need it sometime)
7.   Let's Eat
8.   Nine

9.   Two Weeks
10.  Witch Yoo Hee

11.  Take Care of Us Captain

12.  Painter of the Wind

13.  Dalja’s spring

14.  9th end 2 outs 

15.  Tree of heaven/summer scent 

16.  World’s within 

17.  Wish upon a star 

18.  Last scandal in life

19.  When night comes

20.  One mum three dads

21.  Monstar

22.  Can we get married

23.  Snow Queen

24.  Lovers in Paris

Taiwanese, Chinese, and other Asian Dramas:

25.  In time with you

26.  Love You (Taiwanese)

27.  Love at the Corner (Taiwanese)

28.  Romantic Princess (Taiwanese)

29.  Down with Love (Taiwanese)

30.  Why Why Love (Taiwanese)

31.  Devil Beside You (Taiwanese)

32.  Frog Prince (Taiwanese

33.  Meteor Garden 1&2 (Taiwanese)

34.  Princess Returning Pearl (Chinese)

35.  Prince who became a frog (Taiwanese)

36.  100% Nanny daddy (Singapore drama)

37.  再生緣 (Hong Kong drama)

Keep 'em coming and Saranghae!

The Best Taiwanese Drama Ever: In a Good Way

This is just a super quick post because I feel compelled to let everyone know about this Taiwanese drama titled In a Good Way. It's not your typical Asian drama. Yes, it is a coming-of-age tale about romance and friendship, this is nothing new or groundbreaking, but this story doesn't fall victim to the typical tropes and tricks. For example, the 2nd female lead is not an evil witch who's trying all means to separate the leads. She's a sweet girl who gave up on her first love, Liu Chan (Lego Li), so that her new best friend could follow her heart. Honestly, I really ship Jia En (Kirsten Ren) with Bai Xue (Smile Weng), they are a sweet girl couple. The tearful moment in episode 13 when Bai Xue told Jia En that she is her best friend, and she will never let this come between them was so emotional and real, I felt like I was part of their intimate conversation. This drama is blowing me away.

In a Good Way episode 13 Kirsten Ren and Smile Weng

In a Good Way episode 13 Kirsten Ren and Smile Weng

Any way, this drama is just over halfway through, so there are many more episodes to fill with over-the-top plot lines. I hope that the writers hold true to the feeling of this drama so far. I am rooting for every character, and I ship them all: Liu Chan and Jia En, Jia En and Bai Xue, Bai Xue and Ren Wei, etc. I can't wait for the next episode to air each week. This drama is probably going to crack my VVIP list by the end. Does anyone else agree with me? Or is there someone who disagrees? (WHY WOULD YOU?)

In a Good Way episode 13 Lego Lee Lego Li

Watch it subtitled and free on DramaFever.

The Best Korean Dramas of 2013

Annyeong! It has been a hot minute since I've posted last, but here I am sharing my year's Korean drama-watching work. This year there was a good assortment of dramas to suit viewers' varying taste buds. This year also featured some of the most hyped Kdramas ever (Gu Family Book and The Heirs). Even though I found some great dramas to watch in 2013, not every drama was watchable. So, look forward to my "The Worst Korean Dramas of 2013" list in a few days. But, let's get back to positivity and celebration for now. Here's to an even better year for dramas in 2014!

5. That Winter, the Wind Blows

Jo In Sung and Song Hye Kyo

That Winter, the Wind Blows was the first, what I consider, "blockbuster" drama of the year. It features Jo In Sung, Song Hye Kyo, Jung Eun Ji, and Kim Bum. The music was divine (download the OST here), the aesthetic was soft and breathtaking, and this drama, while not the best of the year, was never dull. Read my full review here.

4. Good Doctor

Joo Won and Moon Chae Won

Good Doctor fills the void of feel good medical drama better than any I've seen before. The chemistry between Joo Won and Moon Chae Won made the fact that Park Shi Won (Joo Won) was autistic seem like just another obstacle that any couple faces. I am pretty sure that I cried at least once during each of the 20 episodes of this sweet drama.

3. The Heirs

Lee Min Ho as Kim Tan and Park Shin Hye as Cha Eun Sung

When I first started watching The Heirs/ The Inheritors, I was in disbelief. I had a hard time accepting that Lee Min Ho was still playing a high school kid (he's 26 now!). I was also put off by the strange scenes that they filmed in California. I decided to let my skepticism go, though, and allow the story to wash over me. This drama is a blatant combination of all things that viewers want to see, rich kids, love triangles, birth secrets, Cinderella story, coming-of-age, I could go on for pages. What I think makes this drama great, though, is that the actors managed to shine through the achingly cliche plot lines and dialogue to show us genuine feeling and the pain that comes with transitioning from childhood to adulthood no matter how rich or poor you are. Also, the sheer volume of popular Korean actors is enough to make my list, The Heirs had Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin, Kang Min Hyuk, Krystal Jung, Choi Jin Hyuk, Lim Ju Eun, Kim Ji Won, and Kang Ha Neul... MIND BLOWN.

2. Heartless City

Jung Kyung Ho and Nam Gyu Ri

Heartless City/ Cruel City was the drama that I looked forward to watching the most every week while it aired. It was the most exciting and sexiest drama of the year, in my opinion. It wasn't, though, an epic romance drama. There was a strong connection between the two leads Jung Kyung Ho and Nam Gyu Ri, but it seemed more like a plot-driving relationship than an a heart-wrenching love like the one from my number 1 drama of the year. Read my full review of Heartless City here.

1. Secret

Hwang Jung Eum and Ji Sung

Ahhh yes, Secret Love, what year of drama isn't complete without a high-intensity melodrama? My year certainly wouldn't have felt complete without Secret. Hwang Jung Eum pulled off her best performance yet as the wronged Kang Yoo Jung who lost years of her life in prison, her son, and her bright-eyed optimism. Yet, she was able to love again and make the best decision for herself and her child. I just loved this drama and it's fast moving action and romance.

What were your favorites?

Ok Taecyeon: The Hottest Dork

Basic info

Name: Ok Taecyeon
Date of Birth: December 27th 1988
Location: Born in Busan, Korea moved to Massachusetts, and then back to Korea
Languages: Korean, English, and Japanese
Profession: Actor, Singer, Model, Dancer, Composer, Songwriter
Debut: 2008

If you've watched We Got Married: Global Edition, then, like me, you may have noticed Ok Taecyeon's dorkiness. He has a very cautious and logical approach to things, and he is easily embarrassed. At first I thought it might just be an act because just about everything else about WGMGE seemed so scripted and planned, but since he held so strong to that trait all the way through the series, I would like to think he's at least a bit like in the show. On the flip side of his geekiness is the greased up sex god that comes out when he's performing with 2PM or working modelling jobs.

source: Mens Health

I think his drama persona is so different from his musical persona that I wonder who the true Taecyeon is. Either way, I think that his acting in Dream High and in Who Are You is great, and I want to see more of his acting in the future. Also, we got a taste of his music and lyric writing talents in WGMGE and I was impressed by that. A man who can write a good love song is very attractive.

Taecyeon with Gui Gui in We Got Married Global Edition

Dramas

Who Are You (2013)
99 Days with the Superstar (2011)
Dream High (2011)
Cinderella's Sister (2010)

Movies

Marriage Blue (2013)

Music

The Best Korean Drama Jobs and Careers

Have you ever wanted to live like your favorite Korean drama heroes and heroines? Well, I'm about to let you in on the secret: you have to get the right job! In Kdrama land certain jobs will land you closer to crush and enemy than any others. Let's review your options. (I will mention plot points from the dramas below, but none of them will ruin the overall experience of the show for anyone who hasn't watched these dramas yet, so I won't call them spoilers. I consider them safe.)

1. The food/milk delivery person

This worked remarkably well for Go Eun Chan (Yoon Eun Hye) in Coffe Prince. While she was delivering food, she sneaked a peek at a naked Choi Han Kyul (Gong Yoo). Also, when she had her stint as a milk delivery girl, she captured the heart of Han Kyul's cousin Han Sung (Lee Sun Kyun). Eun Chan actually had many jobs including: barista at Han Kyul's coffe shop, taekwondo instructor, and she also sewed eyes on dolls. Let this be a lesson ladies, the more odd jobs you work, the closer you are to finding your soulmate!

other examples: Can You Hear My Heart?, Shining Inheritance

Song Joong Ki, I Can Wait 2 Years For You

Song Joong Ki as Chul Soo in A Werewolf Boy

Because our beloved Song Joong Ki has left for his mandatory 2-year military service, I decided to write my first profile in my new blog format about him. I have included a resume above with SJK's basic info and his projects (read below for a text version of his projects with links). While he's on a hiatus from making new movies and/or dramas for the next two years, we can all comfort ourselves by watching his previous work. Even if you've already seen everything he's been in, there's no harm in repeat watching, right? Also, you can listen to "Really" and "The Water is Wide" every night before you go to sleep. I strongly recommend his most recent drama Innocent Man if you haven't watched it yet. Of his movies A Werewolf Boy is great if you are looking to cry, and Penny Pinchers is hilarious and sweet. My Friday review this week will be of Penny Pinchers, so look forward to that.

Return to us safely, Joong Ki-yah!

photo source

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 30 A Kdrama that made you so sad

Day 30: A Kdrama which made you so sad

Im Su Jeong and So Ji Sub in I'm Sorry, I Love You

Happy 100th post, and 30th day of the Kdrama challenge! Thank you for reading my blog.

Wow I'm Sorry, I Love You is sad. From episode one there is a dark cloud hovering over the entire cast. It's the type of drama that fits well with the style of Korean dramas from 2004, but wouldn't work as well now. I won't reveal any important plot points to spoil it for those that haven't seen it yet (which you should if you haven't), but there is pain, desperation, and tragedy hiding around every corner in this drama. Even though So Ji Sub's performance was emotional here, I like his role and performance in Master's Sun much more. His beautiful face and smooth voice are more suited to a sassy business man than a crazy hobo. Watch I'm Sorry, I Love You free and subtitled on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 29 A Kdrama that made you so happy

Day 29 A Kdrama that made you so happy

George Hu and Annie Chen in Love Around

I know it's not a Korean drama, but the Taiwanese drama Love Around never fails to leave me with the warm and fuzzies. The legendary romantic chemistry between George and Annie is put on max for this drama because the show is basically all about the progression of their relationship from friends to lovers. It also features multiple other adorable ships. This drama is all smiles and no tears. It's a great way to escape the drudgery of daily life. Watch Love Around free and subtitled on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 28 A Kdrama Not Loved By Many That You Seem to Like

Day 28: A Kdrama not loved by many That you seem to like

Yoon Eun Hye and Oh Man Seok in The Vineyard Man

The Vineyard Man is one of my favorite Yoon Eun Hye dramas (along with Coffee Prince), but I feel like it is underrated. I'm not sure if it's because it's old (from 2006) or because it's set in the country and focuses on farming so it's not set in Seoul like most Korean dramas. Either way, it's a beautiful, sad, funny, and romantic drama. I know there are others out there like me who enjoyed it, but I think there are many more drama fans who should give it a chance. The chemistry between the two leads is hot, and the country backdrop is gorgeous. Watch The Vineyard Man free and subtitled on DramaFever

COMING SOON! Kdrama Therapy: Korean Drama Blog Makeover

Kim Seul Gi in Flower Boy Next Door

I am currently brainstorming content for this blog. I plan to create a new more consistent format with a schedule for myself so that I can post regularly.

I want to start my new format on September 2nd. I plan to post in the schedule below:

Mondays: Actor/Musical Performer(s)/Other(?) Profiles
These will be shorter posts focusing on specific people or groups. These are some ideas for people I want to write about: Lee Seung Gi, Lee Min Ho, Moon Chae Won, Song Joong Ki, Zo In Sung, Lee Jun Ki, Bae Suzy, Taecyeon, Shin Min Ah, Joo Won, So Ji Sub, Kong Hyo Jin, Song hye Kyo, Kim Seul Gi, Jung Eun Ji, Choi Min Ho...

Whenever I write a profile, I plan to follow it with a tumblr spam of that person/group on my tumblr blog

Wednesdays: Lists/Updates
These posts will vary in length depending on the content. I would like to create more drama lists or post updates like upcoming dramas, etc. Some ideas: Worst dramas, worst couples, Best drama of the summer, Kdrama jobs, Kdrama truths, Best Villains, most evil families, best/worst fashion, Best secondary couples, best I love you's, best friends, best fights,...

Fridays: Reviews
These posts will be longer, and I will try to review dramas and movies. I doubt that I will post a review every week, but that's the goal. These posts may be final reviews or reviews of specific episodes. Because I have been watching primarily currently airing dramas lately, I won't always have finished a drama to write about.

I will continue to post screen caps and quick updates on my Facebook page and, of course, reblog K stuff on tumblr, both of which feed to my twitter! OMOOO, what am I getting myself into?

I am mostly posting this so that I feel a bit of accountability to actually follow through with it, but I also want feedback. Any suggestions for content that you would like to see in any of these categories?

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 27 A Kdrama Loved by Many That You Don't Seem to Like

Day 27: A Kdrama Loved by Many That You Don't Seem to Like

Lee Da Hee, Cha Kwan Woo, Lee Bo Young, Lee Jong Suk in I Hear Your Voice

There have been a few dramas that I didn't quite enjoy as much as the general Kdrama-loving population, but the most recent instance of this is I Hear Your Voice. I really tried to like this drama, and I even watched 16 of the 18 episodes. I was determined to finish it and write a review about it, but I just kept playing Candy Crush instead of paying attention, so I decided I couldn't, in good conscience, write a review if I didn't truly watch it. It's strange because I love Lee Jong Suk, just like most everyone else, but I just couldn't fathom a ship between him and Lee Bo Young. There are some couples that I just cannot accept. Sure, there were moments that I did enjoy this drama. Sometimes it was funny, sad, or exciting, but I never really got into it. Watch I Hear Your Voice free and subtitled on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 26 Your Recently Finished Kdrama

Day 26: Your Recently Finished Kdrama

Top: Son Ye Jin and Kim Nam Gil in Shark Lower: Son Ye Jin in Shark Finale

The most recent Korean drama that I finished is Shark (Don't Look Back: the Legend of Orpheus). See my full review (HERE). It was a drama that I was conflicted about in some spots, but I thought it ended just right. I know others do not agree, but that's the spice of life. Watch Shark free and subtitled on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 25 Your First Jdrama

Day 25: Your First Jdrama

Japanese dramas are a very different world from Korean dramas. The characters, plots, settings, and relationships are much more exaggerated and fantastical, but, in some ways, almost more realist than Kdramas because it's so blatantly obvious that it's not supposed to be true life. Anyway, to get to the point of this post, the first Japanese drama that I watched was Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge on dramacrazy.net which is now drama dramacrazy.eu. It is a crazy yet sweet drama about a very weird goth girl and the flower boys that lived with her in a giant mansion. Watch it on dramacrazy

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 24 Your Worst Couple

Day 24: Your Worst Couple

Jung Yu Mi and Lee Jin Wook in I Need Romance 2012

When I first started watching I Need Romance 2012, I was in love with it. It had a bit of sexuality, a lot of comedy, and that fun Sex and the City feel. Unfortunately, I felt like the main couple took an awful turn during the last half of the drama. Joo Yeol Mae's character started basically two-timing with the sweet coffee shop guy (Kim Ji Suk) while she was still in love with her childhood friend (Lee Jin Wook). I never felt the chemistry between Jin Wook and Yu Mi, and I was strongly against them ending up together. They made a horrible couple because they didn't seem to understand what the other wanted. When the big reveal about Suk Hyun's fear of being sick came out, I was hoping she wouldn't run to him out of pity, but I felt like she did. I ended up watching this drama until the end, and I was disappointed with how it was resolved. Watch I Need Romance 2012 on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 23 Your Favorite Couple

Day 23: Your Favorite Couple

Well, back in February, I wrote a post listing my favorite couples (read it here). My FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE Korean drama couple is Shin Min Ah and Lee Sung Gi as Cha Dae Woong and Mi Ho in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. Read the post I mentioned above for more of my favorite couples along with demonstrative YouTube videos. Watch these adorable Kdrama couples on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 22 Your Worst Actress

Day 22: Your Worst Actress

Moon Geun Young

Maybe I haven't watched enough of Moon Geun Young's dramas to really give her a chance, but since I have to pick someone as my least favorite Korean drama actress, I choose her. I recognize her cuteness, but I mostly just find her annoying. Mary Stayed out All Night was just such a strange drama to me, and her acting, voice, and general demeanor rubbed me the wrong way. I still need to watch Painter of the Wind, and I've heard it's great, so maybe that will change my mind. Watch Moon Geun Young on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 21 Your Worst Actor

Day 21: Your Worst Actor

Kim Hyun Joong in Boys Over Flowers

Kim Hyun Joong in Barefoot Friends

It's time to drop a little bit of hate, but I'll explain it, so don't worry. Kim Hyun Joong is my least favorite Korean drama actor for two reasons Boys Over Flowers and Playful Kiss. His acting style just does not suit my taste. Yes, he has heavenly good looks, but when he's on screen that's all he is good for. He is too stoic and unemotional to draw me in. Now, cut to Kim Hyun Joong in the variety show Barefoot Friends, and I love him now. He is so much more mature and handsome with the short haircut, and his personalty really shines through. OK, he's still a fairly conservative guy, but at least we get to see a glimmer of the playfulness that was missing from his drama acting. Watch Barefoot Friends, Boys Over Flowers, and Playful Kiss on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 20 Your Favorite Actress

Day 20: Your Favorite Actress

Yoon Eun Hye in I Miss You

Shin Min Ah in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho

This one is a little harder for me to decide on than my favorite Korean actor. So, I choose the two ladies that I love the most: Yoon Eun Hye and Shin Min Ah. To start, Yoon Eun Hye is a goddess, and I even wrote a post titled that (read it here). As for Shin Min Ah, she is in two of my most beloved Kdramas: My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and Arang and the Magistrate. Obviously they are both extremely beautiful in different ways, and they possess the talents to mesmerize, but they are also very funny and sweet in a down-to-earth-way. Watch Yoon Eun Hye and Shin Min Ah's dramas on DramaFever

30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 19 Your Favorite Actor

Day 19: Your Favorite Actor

Lee Min Ho in Faith

Imja!!! Well, there isn't much to think about for day 19. Lee Min Ho is definitely me favorite Korean actor. It's not just his acting skills that draw me in; his whole persona is magnetic. He is beyond gorgeous, he has cute quirks, he can sing, he can act, he is tall, he has a great speaking voice... the list really goes on and on. My favorite drama of his is Personal Taste. He is hilarious as a prickly character who tries to act cool on the outside, but is actually very soft and gentle inside. He is perfection! Watch Lee Min Ho in Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, Personal Taste, and Faith on DramaFever