30 Day Kdrama Challenge: Day 13

Day 13: Your Favorite "I love you"

My favorite "I love you" happened in Rooftop Prince when Park Ha texted "I love you" to Lee Gak by mistake. She proceeded to try to bury his phone in the ground so he wouldn't see it. He did, of course, end up seeing it, and then things began to shift in his mind.... OK STOP. I'm getting sad just thinking about it. This drama is just so amazing in every way. If haven't already, you can watch Rooftop Prince free and subtitled on DramaFever

The Best Korean Drama of 2012: Revisiting Rooftop Prince

Park Yoo Chun as Lee Gak and Han Ji Min as Park Ha

I originally watched Rooftop Prince while it was airing March 21st through May 24th of last year. Each week I was freaking out while I had to wait for new episodes because I loved it so much. I recall watching the last 5 episodes or so and crying the whole time. As I was watching it, I had already planned on watching it again all together down the road. Sure enough, I was stricken with the unavoidable desire to watch  Rooftop Prince last week, and I am very glad that I did.

***SPOILERS BELOW***

I have watched My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, Coffee Prince, and Personal Taste all twice each, so I already knew going into it that I can enjoy a drama when I watch it more than once. I didn't expect I would such an intense reaction like I did to watching Rooftop Prince again, though. One would assume that knowing everything that happens and how it will end before hand may ruin the suspense, but I gained a whole new perspective on the drama this time around. Since I already knew that Prince Lee Gak (Park Yoo Chun) and Park Ha (Han Ji Min) were going to end up loving each other, I started getting emotional from episode one. As soon as I saw the dead corpse floating in the water and I knew it was Boo Yong, I started to feel sad. The drama takes on a whole new meaning when watched from the perspective of knowledge as opposed to ignorance of the plot.

When I started to think about the fact that Lee Gak went back to Joseon where Boo Yong was dead, the princess and her family had tried to kill him, and he wouldn't be able to live with Park Ha, I felt my heart breaking. I think that watching it for a second time also shed light on the significance of the final scene of the show. The scene, which flashes from Yoo Chun as Yong Tae Yong (Lee Gak's reincarnation) with Park Ha to Tae Yong in Joseon garb appearing as Lee Gak, was very confusing but beautiful to me the first time I saw it. Now that I have watched the entire drama twice, I think I have a better idea of what that scene means. Lee Gak/Tae Yong loves Boo Yong/Park Ha and vice versa. It is a very simple answer, but I was thinking of it too literally the first time around and trying to figure out if Lee Gak had come back from Joseon to be with Park Ha. What I believe now, though, is that just as Boo Yong had loved Lee Gak 300 years before and then again as her reincarnation, Park Ha in present time, Tae Yong fell in love with Park Ha via their souls' eternal connection. I really love this story because I can imagine them being reincarnated to infinity and still finding each other.

Choi Woo Sik, Lee Min Ho, and Jung Suk Won

Of course, I cannot fail to mention the prince's posse. Lee Min Ho (1993) as Song Man Bo, Choi Woo Sik as Do Chi San, and Jung Suk Won as Woo Yong Seul are perfect. During my initial viewing I hadn't noticed how quickly they picked up on the ways of the contemporary world. It amuses me that these Joseon men could learn to master smart phones in such a short period of time, but many people who have lived in this time period all of their lives can't figure them out. I understand that these characters are not real, but the portrayal of them becoming technology whizzes was hilarious to me when I relate it to the stupid people I deal while working in tech support.

In essence Rooftop Prince is one of those rare shows/movies that I could watch over and over again without getting tired of it and also pick up new things each time. I am already planning to watch it again in another 8 or 9 months. So, to those who loved Rooftop Prince the first time around, I suggest you watch it another time and experience the ecstasy all over again. Watch it on DramaFever.com.

I Miss You (Missing You) Final Episode 21

Park Yoo Chun as Han Jung Woo

Park Yoo Chun as Han Jung Woo

So, I Miss You has come to an end. It wasn't a great drama, but it wasn't bad either. I think that, despite a dreary and frustrating script, the actors were able to bring some light to this drama. Park Yoo Chun was the center of all comedic scenes, and I think he carried them well. As for Yoon Eun Hye, I love her, but I didn't see her usual glow in this drama. I understand that actors should have range and play different types of characters, but YEH is at her best when she is allowed to be playful and have fun. There were a few glimpses throughout the show of YEH's cuteness when she had sweet scenes opposite Yoo Chun, though. I think their chemistry is what kept me watching.

Yoo Eun Hye as Lee Soo Yeon

The acting that stood out to me in a big way was Yoo Seung Ho as Kang Hyung Joon. I found myself hating him and then pitying him and then hating him all over again. When he cried, I felt his anguish, and when he glared evilly at Jung Woo or Han Tae Joon, I felt his hatred. Even though Seung Ho was trapped in the overly melodramatic world of I Miss You, his acting wasn't over the top. I hope to see Yoo Seung Ho in more leading roles in the future; he has skills.

Yoo Seung Ho as Kang Hyung Joon

The final episode brought most things to a conclusion. Jung Woo's dad ended up in prison, Hyung Joon went crazy like his mom, Jung Woo remained as a detective, and Soo Yeon, Jung Woo, and family lived happily ever after together. Mostly what I got from this show is the same thing that I get from every Korean melo, wasting your life seeking revenge is a waste of time, and it ruins things for everyone else. I don't often come across people in my day-to-day life who are actively seeking revenge, but if I do meet someone like that I will surely tell them to give it up and just live their life.

Yoon Eun Hye as Soo Yeon and Park Yoo Chun Jung Woo

Yoon Eun Hye as Soo Yeon and Park Yoo Chun as Jung Woo

Watch I Miss You (Missing You) with English subtitles DramaFever.com

I Miss You (Missing You) episodes 16 & 17

Park Yoo Chun as Han Jung Woo and Yoon Eun Hye as Lee Soo Yeon

Episodes 16 and 17 of I Miss You are the beginning of the end of this drama. All of the crazy interconnecting relationships, wrongdoings, and crimes are colliding and there has been an explosion. Soo Yeon now knows that Hyung Joon is seeking revenge against Jung Woo's father, Tae Joon, so she decided to conclude her relations with Hyung Joon and return home with Jung Woo. Jung Woo still doesn't know about his family's connection to Hyung Joon, though he does know now that Harry is Hyung Joon. Hyung Joon's mother didn't recognize him so now that Soo Yeon left him, he has no one and has gone off the deep end. Phew... are you keeping up with all this? I certainly am.

Yoo Seung Ho as Kang Hyung Joon

On a lighter note, episode 17 featured one of the cutest and funniest scenes in the drama so far. Jung Woo and Soo Yeon were laying next to each other in her childhood home when they kissed. After the kiss, Jung Woo made an akward attempt to kiss her again but failed. He then became frustrated and rolled over so that he was on top of her and they were face to face. Of course they both looked into each other's eyes innocently (because in Kdrama world, sex is extremely embarrassing for two 30-year-olds to discuss), and he quickly rolled away in anguish. I was mortified for him, but I laughed out loud also. As tends to happen, things took a darker turn as the episode ended. Hyung Joon has framed Soo Yeon for his serial murders, and now Jung Woo will do anything to protect her. I am not sure how this drama will conclude, but I hope that Jung Woo doesn't go completely bat-shit crazy.

Oh hell no! Yoon Eun Hye and Park Yoo Chun

Watch Episodes 16 and 17 of I Miss You with English subtitles http://www.dramacrazy.net/korean-drama/missing-you-episode-17/278407

The Best Korean Dramas of 2012

Wow, I can't believe it's 2013. I've been watching Korean Dramas for nearly a year now, but I feel like I have only begun to scratch the surface of this crazy Kdrama world. I tried to watch as many of the Kdramas that aired in 2012 as I could. See my "2012 Korean Dramas" post for information about the dramas that I watched. Now, I will list the best dramas that I watched from this year. This is similar to my "The Best Kdramas of 2012 (preliminary)" list, but I did make a few adjustments


1. Rooftop Prince

I genuinely love this drama. Mickey Yoo Chun and Han Ji Min make a beautiful couple. I find it to be a hilarious comedy and an emotional romance all rolled in to one. I am a sucker for the ever-funny scenes that take place when a person from the past is thrust into the modern world and bombarded with the substantial advancements of technology since their time. I think Rooftop Prince is by far the best of the time travel dramas that I have seen (Faith, Queen In Hyun's Man, and 3 episodes of Time Slip Dr. Jin).

Park Yoo Chun and Han Ji Min

Watch Rooftop Prince with English subs DramaFever.com

2. The Innocent Man (Nice Guy)

The Innocent Man (Nice Guy) become a big part of my life for a while (as sad as that sounds). I originally had planned to watch it when it completed airing, but I started this blog on October 20th and decided I need to write about this show because it is daebak. I watched the first 14 episodes over the course of 2 or 3 days (it's all a blur now) and began my screen cap/ blog writing fury. Now that it is over, I feel an emptiness. I am not loyal enough to say that I won't be able to fill the emptiness left by The Innocent Man (Nice Guy), but it might take some time to be replaced in my heart. Song Joong Ki is amazing as Kang Ma Roo because he has an angelic baby face, but does some very bad ass things in the show. Also, I fell in love with Moon Chae Won while watching this drama. She is gorgeous, and I love when she gets to act strong-willed and ferocious.

Song Joong Ki and Moon Chae Won

Watch The Innocent Man (Nice Guy) with English subs DramaFever.com


3. Arang and the Magistrate

Arang and the Magistrate is one of the first dramas I wrote about. Watching Korean Dramas to write about them is a very different experience than just watching them, I believe. While I am much more efficient with my time when I watch a drama without worrying about what to write about it, I feel that I get a better insight into the drama when I stop and think about it. With Arang, I was able draw out many beautiful ideas and lessons from this drama during my writing process. It really makes me think about the power of desire and will and how considering other people can be the most rewarding way to live.

Lee Jun Ki and Shin Min Ah

Watch Arang and the Magistrate with English subs DramaFever.com


4. Queen In Hyun's Man

Queen In Hyun's Man is one of the best love stories I have seen in a Korean drama. Maybe not everyone will agree with me on that, but that's okay. I think that the love between Kim Bong Do (Ji Hyun Woo) and Choi Hee Jin (Yoo In Na) is pure and sweet. Unlike some Kdramas where the main couple starts off with
a relationship of hate and hostility, they were never tarnished by that dirty feeling of "are these people masochists or what?" that I get from some couples. As a time travel drama, it is almost (but not quite) as amazing as Rooftop Prince. I don't really like to compare these two dramas too much, though, because I think that they each have their own individual spirits. Queen In Hyun's Man is a must-see drama for any Korean drama lover.

Ji Hyun Woo and Yoo In Na

Watch Queen In Hyun's Man with English subs DramaFever.com

5. Reply 1997

Reply 1997 (Answer Me 1997) is a treat. Sung Shi Won (Jung Eun Ji) is such a spunky, relatable female character that it is impossible (for people with warm blood) not to love her. She lives in the world of super fandom and worships her kpop idol with an extreme (almost dangerous) passion. This drama features an array of interesting and well-developed characters that interact flawlessly with each other in their realistic environment spanning from the late 1990's up to present day. The ending has a sweet twist that is both funny, and romantic (clearly, I love that combination), and there is really nothing but joy, youth, and fun (with some tears too) to be had.

Seo In Guk and Jung Eun Ji

Watch Reply 1997 with English subs DramaFever.com

6. The King of Dramas

The King of Dramas is not finished airing yet, but it is a great show and I wanted to it to my list. I was skeptical about watching it at first because he premise sounded boring and cliche to me, but I was very wrong in that assumption. This drama is exciting, hilarious, and has a subtle, sweet romantic side to it. There are only a few episodes left, and, as we all know, the ending could ruin the show (i.e. Big). I am adding this drama to the list, though, for the episodes of it that aired during 2012, and hopefully the final episodes will prove to be just as awesome.

Kim Myung Min and Jung Ryu Won

Watch The King of Dramas with English subtitles Viki.com

What were your favorite dramas of 2012?

I Miss You (Missing You) episode 13

Yoon Eun Hye as Lee Soo Yeon and Park Yoo Chun as Han Jung Woo

Episode 13 of I Miss You was certainly an emotional roller coaster ride. It started off with an intimate moment between Han Jung Woo and the newly found (to him) Soo Yeon. When he recalled the moment on the bus when their lips touched, I couldn't help but tear up a bit. They finally had their first real kiss, and it was INTENSE. It looked like they were devouring each other. These two actors have great chemistry together in my book. I just wish that they weren't crying while they kissed. At this point the tear count in this show must be reaching into the millions, and it's becoming insincere and show-y.

This kiss! Yowza!

Jung Woo and Soo Yeon recalling childhood memories, as they always do

After their kiss, Jung Woo and Soo Yeon reminisced and had a sweet moment at the playground where they hung out as kids. Here's my problem: they remember everything they said to each other. I get that the flashbacks and rehashing of memories are dramatic techniques to create parallels for us viewers to the past, but I think it's overkill. I really want to see these two adults try to grow up, and accept reality. Their relationship needs to steer away from their childhood one if they ever hope to put that terrible incident in the past. This isn't their only obstacle to lovin', though, we can't forget about Kang Hyung Joon. He sits in his creepy surveillance room and watches Soo Yeon's every move, and I don't think he is going to give her up easily. I do pity him in a way because his life was screwed up by Jung Woo's father, but I also find him unsettling. I think that the ties between Hyung Joon and Jung Woo's family are darker and more twisted than has been revealed yet, so hopefully the future episodes will shed light on Hyung Joon beyond the despair we've already seen.

Yeppeo YEH!

Watch I Miss You (Missing You) episode 13 with English subtitles http://www.dramacrazy.net/korean-drama/missing-you/

I Miss You (Missing You) episodes 7 & 8

Yoon Eun Hye and Park Yoo Chun

I Miss You is frustrating me at this point. There is a lot that should be going on with Jung Woo, Soo Yeon, and Hyung Joon's odd threesome, but I feel as if we have reached an impasse. Jung Woo knows Zoe (or Joy? I'm not sure, and I can't tell when they say it) is Soo Yeon, and I think that Soo Yeon knows that he knows who she is, but they are both playing mind games with each other. So far, I don't feel any romantic chemistry between anyone on the show besides Jung Woo and Soo Yeon's mom. They have a sweet, playful relationship, and they truly seem to care for each other.

As far as Jung Woo's persistent pursuit of Soo Yeon, I think he is so concerned about finding her because he feels guilty for abandoning someone who really thought of him as a friend. If any sparks ignite between Soo Yeon and Jung Woo, it would mean she could forgive him for abandoning her with the rapist, and that's a tall order. Also, I have to mention the relationship between Soo Yeon and Hyung Joon. I personally find it very awkward and creepy. The age difference between Yoo Eun Hye and Yoo Seung Ho isn't the only odd thing, it's also the fact that they were raised as brother and sister. From what I can tell (based on Soo Yeon rejecting Hyung Joon's kiss in episode 8), Hyung Joon is in love with Soo Yeon, but she is putting on the show of their relationship to torture Jung Woo. I think this tense threesome is going to become twisted even more in the upcoming episodes, as we find out if Soo Yeon killed her rapist, and if she can forgive Jung Woo.

I didn't get many screen caps for these episodes because I am trying to finish a few more Korean Dramas from 2012 before the year ends. I want to write something epic for the end of the year as a Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate) gift for anyone who looks at my blog.

Also...

Park Yoo Chun and Yoon Eun Hye

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Watch I Miss You (Missing You) with English subtitles http://www.dramacrazy.net/korean-drama/missing-you/

I Miss You (Missing You) episode 5

Yeo Jin Ku as young Han Jung Woo

Episode 5 of I Miss You (Missing You) is the transition episode from childhood to adulthood. The episode carries us from the moment when Han Jung Woo lost detective Kim Sung Ho and his chance at finding Lee Soo Yeon (for now). I can honestly say that I have never hated a soda can as much as I do now. That fucking soda can killed Kim Sung Ho by wedging itself underneath the brake peddle, causing him to roll off a cliff just as he was about to get Soo Yeon back. I am still puzzled at how she didn't notice him screaming and driving wildly in the wrong lane next to her. Did she not want to see him? Was she in shock? Maybe both?

Park Yoo Chun as adult Jung Woo

Now, fast forward to 2012. We find Jung Woo displaying some horrible karoke skills (I LOLed), and then visiting the disgusting guy who raped Soo Yeon in prison. It is clear from the get-go that Jung Woo is A- Insane B- Still looking for Soo Yeon and C- Going to give me lots of good screen cap opportunities. He is also still in contact with Soo Yeon's mother and Sung Ho's daughter Eun Ju, who seems as if she will be entertainingly messy. Now that the adult Jung Woo is a detective and happened upon the case of Michelle Kim's death, we will get to see what will happen when he finds Soo Yeon (now Zoe).

Yoo Seung Ho as Kang Hyung Joon

Yoon Eun Hye as Lee Soo Yeon

Soo Yeon (Zoe) is living with Kang Hyung Joon (Harry Borrison WTF?), the poor little kid that Jung Woo's dad was trying to kill, in the lap of luxury. It is unclear how Hyung Joon became so rich, but Soo Yeon seems to be famous in the fashion industry as she travels from France to Seoul with Hyung Joon. They appear to be a happy couple who hug and talk affectionately to each other, but I am getting more of a noona-dongsaeng vibe from their relationship. Clearly, both Soo Yeon and Jung Woo still find each other in the rain, the wind, and the snow.

After seeing the teaser for epsiode 6, which I hope to watch tomorrow after some early morning shopping on Black Friday, I have to say that I am totally into this drama now and excited for the upcoming episodes.

YEH and I rocking our white Samsung Galaxy Note IIs!

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Watch I Miss You (Missing You) episode 5 with English subtitles http://www.dramacrazy.net/korean-drama/missing-you-episode-5/

The Best Kdramas of 2012 (preliminary)

So, the year 2012 is nearly over, and it is time to look back and begin to make judgement. I started watching Korean Dramas early on this year, therefore, I am new to the game. I have made my best efforts to catch up on the classics, but there is so much to watch and only so many hours in the day. What I am going to do now is make a rough guess at what will be my favorite dramas from 2012. Obviously I didn't watch every single drama that aired this year, so my judgement must be taken with a grain of salt. It is fun to make lists, though, so I will lay down the best Korean Dramas of 2012 here. Please weigh in with your favorites in the comments section.


1. Rooftop Prince

I genuinely love this drama. Mickey Yoo Chun and Han Ji Min make a beautiful couple. I find it to be a hilarious comedy and an emotional romance all rolled in to one. I am a sucker for the ever-funny scenes that take place when a person from the past is thrust into the modern world and bombarded with the substantial advancements of technology since their time. I think Rooftop Prince is by far the best of the time travel dramas that I have seen (Faith, Queen In Hyun's Man, and 3 episodes of Time Slip Dr. Jin).

Mickey Yoo Chun and Han Ji Mia

Watch Rooftop Prince with English subs http://www.dramafever.com/drama/4101/1/Rooftop_Prince/

2. The Innocent Man (Nice Guy)

The Innocent Man (Nice Guy) become a big part of my life for a while (as sad as that sounds). I originally had planned to watch it when it completed airing, but I started this blog on October 20th and decided I need to write about this show because it is daebak. I watched the first 14 episodes over the course of 2 or 3 days (it's all a blur now) and began my screen cap/ blog writing fury. Now that it is over, I feel an emptiness. I am not loyal enough to say that I won't be able to fill the emptiness left by The Innocent Man (Nice Guy), but it might take some time to be replaced in my heart. Song Joong Ki is amazing as Kang Ma Roo because he has an angelic baby face, but does some very bad ass things in the show. Also, I fell in love with Moon Chae Won while watching this drama. She is gorgeous, and I love when she gets to act strong-willed and ferocious.

Moon Chae Won and Seo Eun Gi

Watch The Innocent Man (Nice Guy) with English subs http://www.viki.com/channels/7995-nice-guy

3. Arang and the Magistrate

Arang and the Magistrate is one of the first dramas I wrote about. Watching Korean Dramas to write about them is a very different experience than just watching them, I believe. While I am much more efficient with my time when I watch a drama without worrying about what to write about it, I feel that I get a better insight into the drama when I stop and think about it. With Arang, I was able draw out many beautiful ideas and lessons from this drama during my writing process. It really makes me think about the power of desire and will and how considering other people can be the most rewarding way to live.

Shin Min Ah and Lee Jun Ki

Watch Arang and the Magistrate with English subs http://www.dramafever.com/drama/4133/1/Arang_and_the_Magistrate/


4. Queen In Hyun's Man

Queen In Hyun's Man is one of the best love stories I have seen in a Korean drama. Maybe not everyone will agree with me on that, but that's okay. I think that the love between Kim Bong Do (Ji Hyun Woo) and Choi Hee Jin (Yoo In Na) is pure and sweet. Unlike some Kdramas where the main couple starts off with
a relationship of hate and hostility, they were never tarnished by that dirty feeling of "are these people masochists or what?" that I get from some couples. As a time travel drama, it is almost (but not quite) as amazing as Rooftop Prince. I don't really like to compare these two dramas too much, though, because I think that they each have their own individual spirits. Queen In Hyun's Man is a must-see drama for any Korean drama lover.

Yoo In Na and Ji Hyun Woo making out!

Watch Queen In Hyun's Man with English subs http://www.hulu.com/queen-and-i

5. Reply 1997

Reply 1997 (Answer Me 1997) is a treat. Sung Shi Won (Jung Eun Ji) is such a spunky, relatable female character that it is impossible (for people with warm blood) not to love her. She lives in the world of super fandom and worships her kpop idol with an extreme (almost dangerous) passion. This drama features an array of interesting and well-developed characters that interact flawlessly with each other in their realistic environment spanning from the late 1990's up to present day. The ending has a sweet twist that is both funny, and romantic (clearly, I love that combination), and there is really nothing but joy, youth, and fun (with some tears too) to be had.

Seo In Guk and Jung Eun Ji

Watch Reply 1997 with English subs http://www.viki.com/channels/9462-replay-1997-answer-me-1997

Honorable mentions: I do, I do and The Moon That Embraces the Sun

Right now I am watching Bridal Mask which seems to be another contender for my 2012 list. I am also watching I Miss You and May Queen too. I will try to get a few more Kdramas from 2012 in before the end of the year so that I can come up with a more accurate judgement of the dramas of this year. Please, please, please tell me if there is something great from this year that I should watch.