114. Covid19 & K-Drama (KDrama) - Year 2020 & 2021
11 April 2020
Covid19 Lockdown & Binge Watching
K-Drama (Kdrama) & Other Shows...
below: You're Beautiful (or He is Beautiful), 2009, 16eps
2009 South Korean television series starring Jang Keun-suk, Park Shin-hye, Jung Yong-hwa of CN Blue and Lee Hong-gi of F.T. Island. The series follows fictional musician band, A.N.JELL, and how the relationship between its members changes when a girl posing as her twin brother joins the band.
Lockdown
CB Circuit Breaker - April-May 2020
this is the best time for korean drama...
below: my ID is gangnam beauty based on a webtoon
below: What's wrong with Secretary Kim?
k-drama based on a webtoon
K-Dramas watched in 2021
- Cinderella and the 4 knights (2016)
- Cinderella and the 4 knights (2016)
- my ID is gangnam beauty (2018)
- because this is my first life (2017)
- strong girl bong soon (2017)
- what's wrong with secretary kim? (2018)
- record of youth (2020)
- parasite (2019, movie)
K-Dramas watched in 2020 - highly rated or award-winning...
- Sweet Home (2020) - 10 eps, horror
- Kingdom 1 & 2* (2019-2020)
- my love from the star* (2013)
- secret garden* (2010)
- she was pretty* (2015)
- my love from the star* (2013)
- crash landing on you (2020 saw ep 1,2 & final ep)
- boys over flowers* (2009)- secret garden* (2010)
- she was pretty* (2015)
- itaewon class* (2020)
- the Heirs or Inheritors* (2013)
- Mr Sunshine* (2018)
- reply 1988 (2015 - 2016)
- Iris (2009)
- the Heirs or Inheritors* (2013)
- Mr Sunshine* (2018)
- reply 1988 (2015 - 2016)
- Iris (2009)
- Kingdom - Season 1, 6 eps (2019) & Season 2, 6 eps (2020)
- Descendants of the Sun (2016)
- My Golden Life (2017) - 52 eps!
My first few K-Dramas watched
- my lovely girl (2014)
- goblin* (2016)
- a korean odyssey* (2017)
- coffee prince (2007)
- oh my ghost (2015)
- love alarm (2019)
- memories of Alhambra* (2018)
- goblin* (2016)
- a korean odyssey* (2017)
- coffee prince (2007)
- oh my ghost (2015)
- love alarm (2019)
- memories of Alhambra* (2018)
- my sassy girl (movie, 2001)
- he was cool (movie, 2004)
- romance of their own (movie, 2004)
- seducing mr perfect (movie 2006)
also watched Anime & Animated Movies
- Assassination Classroom S1, S2 (2015)
- Spirited Away (2001)
- My neighbour Totoro (1988)
- The Cat Returns (2002)
- Princess Kaguya (2013)
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REVIEW #2
14 May 2020
My thoughts on
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
My Thoughts: Boys Over Flowers (2009)
beautiful locations and sets,
cinematic scenes,
great camera angles,
strong story with strong character development,
amazing soundtrack & music,
strong cast performances,
stylish wardrobe and hairdo,
cool factors for boys and girls,
good looking cast,
close-knit friendships within this group
where rivalry and jealousy occurs in the midst of growing pains,
yet anyone would literally sacrifice his/her life & happiness for their friend/s..
what is not to like about Boys Over Flowers (2009)?
my takeaways?
although the romance and love triangles are in your face, i absolutely LOVE the story, characters and themes revolving around friendship, close bond, loyalty, sacrifice, growing pains, allowing oneself to accept a friend as they are, regardless of their good and bad points...
it is also the understanding among these teenagers - that friendship is a 2-way journey where each plays a part to help the other be a better version of themselves. As these flawed teenagers find their way to adulthood, how sweet, how lovely to grow up with friends who see each other through good times and bad times.
growing up amidst difficult times during teenage years, making new friends and keeping them can be painful and a huge challenge - whom to trust, whom to stand up & sacrifice for, whom to care for, whom to stick closely to for life... and sometimes their huge sacrifices aren't even logical to the other person or people involved.
growing up years. friends. love. some comedy. no limit to fun and exciting activities as the F4 boys have the financial stability to splurge their infinite family wealth on the girls. still, a warm and fuzzy story with loads of heartaches and obstacles. very thrilling roller coaster ride throughout the show indeed.
Boys Over Flowers, Korean tv series,
seriously, what's there not to like or love?
so i read up. story is based on a manga - according to wikipedia,
Boys Over Flowers (Japanese: 花より男子, Hepburn: Hana Yori Dango, lit. "Dango [Preferred] over Flowers") is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Yoko Kamio. The story is set in Tokyo, Japan.
Synopsis of the Japanese shōjo manga series:
Makino Tsukushi, a girl who comes from a poor family, just wants to get through her two last years at Eitoku Gakuen quietly. But once she makes herself known by standing up for her friend to the F4, the four most popular, powerful, and rich boys at the school, she gets the red card: F4's way of a "Declaration of War." But when she doesn't let herself be beaten by them and is starting to fall for one of the F4, Hanazawa Rui, she starts to see that there is more than meets the eye...
- Assassination Classroom S1, S2 (2015)
- Spirited Away (2001)
- My neighbour Totoro (1988)
- The Cat Returns (2002)
- Princess Kaguya (2013)
- Princess Mononoke (1997)
- Kiki’s delivery service (1989)
- Ponyo (2008)
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REVIEW #3
26 Dec 2020
Sweet Home
humans have always been evolving.
if you could choose, would you stay human or evolve into a monster?
i love sci-fi but this is more of a horror-drama series.
watched it like 3x within 3-4 days.
based on a webtoon, this series has 10 eps.
die as a human
or live as a monster
love the metaphors and the hard truths
in the story about how to be human
and how people turn into monsters when their desires overwhelm them.
are humans monsters?
or are monsters human?
this couldn't have been screened at a better time.
covid19 is proving to bring out the worst in humans.
story is simple, pacing is good, the characters are many but go through a "visible" arc and the director manages to pull in some heart strings for these characters, humans and monsters alike.
korean dramas are amazing for these qualities...
simple scenes that make you cry or feel, some scenes so cleverly crafted that the story's meaning & purpose require no words. for example,
1. children who lost their father and a mother who had just lost her daughter. this mother starts shedding tears. the little boy wipes it off and she hugs him and then his sister. they cry together for the loss of their family members.
2. the guy with samurai sword sacrifices his life for the group - as he dies, they weep for him.
3. girl who ignored her older step-brother after their parents' deaths, screams and cries for him when she realises that he isn't going to keep his promise to survive on with her.
i haven't even mentioned scenes that makes you feel when you see the main hero struggle or grieve.
in this k-drama, the story elements are strong - characters, theme, setting, conflicts, plot.
very impressed with Sweet Home.
REVIEW #2
14 May 2020
My thoughts on
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
My Thoughts: Boys Over Flowers (2009)
beautiful locations and sets,
cinematic scenes,
great camera angles,
strong story with strong character development,
amazing soundtrack & music,
strong cast performances,
stylish wardrobe and hairdo,
cool factors for boys and girls,
good looking cast,
close-knit friendships within this group
where rivalry and jealousy occurs in the midst of growing pains,
yet anyone would literally sacrifice his/her life & happiness for their friend/s..
what is not to like about Boys Over Flowers (2009)?
my takeaways?
although the romance and love triangles are in your face, i absolutely LOVE the story, characters and themes revolving around friendship, close bond, loyalty, sacrifice, growing pains, allowing oneself to accept a friend as they are, regardless of their good and bad points...
it is also the understanding among these teenagers - that friendship is a 2-way journey where each plays a part to help the other be a better version of themselves. As these flawed teenagers find their way to adulthood, how sweet, how lovely to grow up with friends who see each other through good times and bad times.
growing up amidst difficult times during teenage years, making new friends and keeping them can be painful and a huge challenge - whom to trust, whom to stand up & sacrifice for, whom to care for, whom to stick closely to for life... and sometimes their huge sacrifices aren't even logical to the other person or people involved.
growing up years. friends. love. some comedy. no limit to fun and exciting activities as the F4 boys have the financial stability to splurge their infinite family wealth on the girls. still, a warm and fuzzy story with loads of heartaches and obstacles. very thrilling roller coaster ride throughout the show indeed.
Boys Over Flowers, Korean tv series,
seriously, what's there not to like or love?
so i read up. story is based on a manga - according to wikipedia,
Boys Over Flowers (Japanese: 花より男子, Hepburn: Hana Yori Dango, lit. "Dango [Preferred] over Flowers") is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Yoko Kamio. The story is set in Tokyo, Japan.
Synopsis of the Japanese shōjo manga series:
Makino Tsukushi, a girl who comes from a poor family, just wants to get through her two last years at Eitoku Gakuen quietly. But once she makes herself known by standing up for her friend to the F4, the four most popular, powerful, and rich boys at the school, she gets the red card: F4's way of a "Declaration of War." But when she doesn't let herself be beaten by them and is starting to fall for one of the F4, Hanazawa Rui, she starts to see that there is more than meets the eye...
| known as | Boys before Flowers |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Based on | Boys Over Flowers by Yoko Kamio |
| Written by | Yoon Ji-ryun |
| Directed by | Jeon Ki-sang |
| Starring | |
| Opening theme | "Paradise" by T-Max |
| Ending theme | |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language(s) | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 25 |
Boys Over Flowers (Korean: 꽃보다 남자; Hanja: 꽃보다 男子) is a 2009 South Korean television series that is based on the Japanese shōjo manga series Boys Over Flowers (花より男子, Hana Yori Dango) written by Yoko Kamio.[1] The series is about a working-class girl who gets tangled up in the lives of a group of wealthy young men in her high school. It earned high viewership ratings in South Korea and popularity throughout Asia.[2][3] It starred Ku Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon and Kim So-eun. It aired for 25 episodes on KBS2 from January 5 to March 31, 2009.[4]
Source: Wikipedia
Cast = Source: http://asianwiki.com/Boys_Over_Flowers_-_Korean_Drama
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEW #1
13 April 2020
My thoughts on
Itaewon Class (2020)
TV Series is based on a webtoon.
Synopsis
Itaewon Class tells the story of ex-convict Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) whose life has been turned upside down after he gets expelled from school for punching a bully and his father is killed in an accident. Following his father's steps, he opens his bar-restaurant DanBam (Sweet Night) in Itaewon and, along with his manager and staff, strive towards success and reaching greater heights.
My Thoughts: Itaewon Class (2020)
Overall, i was engaged in the story and enjoyed the series. 16 eps is good, though it could be done with less, eg 13 eps.
the theme seems to revolve around "freedom" but it doesn't ring much as the characters struggle through each episode with "revenge" hanging over their heads. it does seem that "revenge" is the strongest and most consistent theme that runs through all the episodes. i guess "revenge" is the reason why "freedom" is elusive. perhaps more could be said about how the characters feel that absolute freedom is idealistic, naive and elusive, yet struggle to obtain it.
for each of the characters, freedom mean different things - i wish it were clearer instead of implied. but if you pay enough attention to the story, you'd find that the elusive theme of "freedom" is actually present for every character.
while many characters are developed and go through the character arc, the main character's arc doesn't seem to have budged much in the 15 years featured in the story. his character only starts to change nearing the end of the story where he realises that his principles will not enable him to rescue the people he cares for (Scene where he finally kneels in front of his enemy).
Also this is the part of the story where the main character realises his true feelings towards his long-time crush and his young manager (where he feels that being 10 years older will not benefit her) - and that realization spurs him to take action to pursue the one he loves at that point in time - his manager.
for the core danbam group (characters), the ensemble seem quite convenient to discuss various issues Korea faces today & how each find their own version of "freedom" ...
- main character - learns that freedom lies in forgiving his enemy and accepting his father's death
(this idea of "forgiveness to gain freedom" is also reflected in his long-time friend, who teamed up with the main character to seek revenge for being bullied)
- a gangster struggles to lead a decent life and finding his worth,
- a transgender seeking self acceptance and strength, freedom from prejudice and hate,
- a neglected kid from a rich, powerful family learns who to trust and lean on,
- an intelligent wildcat tamed by her love interest who has nothing to offer her except his solid life perspective of how he wants to treat people - this impresses and moves her heart,
- a korean of mixed decent facing racism while struggling to embrace his heritage and korean family
as for the villains, i like that they come in a few characters, not just one typical and stereotypical villain - they are represented by...
- social class,
- age groups (young and old, namely father and son),
- values & decision-making - eg. family vs business, children from marriage vs out of wedlock
- attitudes and approach when leading people (possibly to reflect the political scene as well)
- using their power & influence to bully the weak
the more i dig into the themes and issues raised in this tv series, the more i understand why i enjoyed and admire the storytelling and why i had so much to takeaway as an audience.
other than Goblin, this show/story is very meaningful and well-crafted.
hmm i wonder if they had strayed from the original story or stuck strictly...
anyways, Well done, Itaewon Class!
Corvid19 Lockdown
Circuit Breaker, Stay Home
7 April 2020 - 1 June 2020
Funny stuff about living with Covid19
29 oct 2020
Source: Wikipedia
Cast = Source: http://asianwiki.com/Boys_Over_Flowers_-_Korean_Drama
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVIEW #1
13 April 2020
My thoughts on
Itaewon Class (2020)
TV Series is based on a webtoon.
Synopsis
Itaewon Class tells the story of ex-convict Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) whose life has been turned upside down after he gets expelled from school for punching a bully and his father is killed in an accident. Following his father's steps, he opens his bar-restaurant DanBam (Sweet Night) in Itaewon and, along with his manager and staff, strive towards success and reaching greater heights.
My Thoughts: Itaewon Class (2020)
Overall, i was engaged in the story and enjoyed the series. 16 eps is good, though it could be done with less, eg 13 eps.
the theme seems to revolve around "freedom" but it doesn't ring much as the characters struggle through each episode with "revenge" hanging over their heads. it does seem that "revenge" is the strongest and most consistent theme that runs through all the episodes. i guess "revenge" is the reason why "freedom" is elusive. perhaps more could be said about how the characters feel that absolute freedom is idealistic, naive and elusive, yet struggle to obtain it.
for each of the characters, freedom mean different things - i wish it were clearer instead of implied. but if you pay enough attention to the story, you'd find that the elusive theme of "freedom" is actually present for every character.
while many characters are developed and go through the character arc, the main character's arc doesn't seem to have budged much in the 15 years featured in the story. his character only starts to change nearing the end of the story where he realises that his principles will not enable him to rescue the people he cares for (Scene where he finally kneels in front of his enemy).
Also this is the part of the story where the main character realises his true feelings towards his long-time crush and his young manager (where he feels that being 10 years older will not benefit her) - and that realization spurs him to take action to pursue the one he loves at that point in time - his manager.
for the core danbam group (characters), the ensemble seem quite convenient to discuss various issues Korea faces today & how each find their own version of "freedom" ...
- main character - learns that freedom lies in forgiving his enemy and accepting his father's death
(this idea of "forgiveness to gain freedom" is also reflected in his long-time friend, who teamed up with the main character to seek revenge for being bullied)
- a gangster struggles to lead a decent life and finding his worth,
- a transgender seeking self acceptance and strength, freedom from prejudice and hate,
- a neglected kid from a rich, powerful family learns who to trust and lean on,
- an intelligent wildcat tamed by her love interest who has nothing to offer her except his solid life perspective of how he wants to treat people - this impresses and moves her heart,
- a korean of mixed decent facing racism while struggling to embrace his heritage and korean family
as for the villains, i like that they come in a few characters, not just one typical and stereotypical villain - they are represented by...
- social class,
- age groups (young and old, namely father and son),
- values & decision-making - eg. family vs business, children from marriage vs out of wedlock
- attitudes and approach when leading people (possibly to reflect the political scene as well)
- using their power & influence to bully the weak
the more i dig into the themes and issues raised in this tv series, the more i understand why i enjoyed and admire the storytelling and why i had so much to takeaway as an audience.
other than Goblin, this show/story is very meaningful and well-crafted.
hmm i wonder if they had strayed from the original story or stuck strictly...
anyways, Well done, Itaewon Class!
| Also known as | hanan class |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 이태원 클라쓰 |
| Genre | Drama |
| Based on | Itaewon Class by Gwang Jin |
| Developed by | Kim Do-soo for Showbox |
| Written by | Gwang Jin |
| Directed by | Kim Sung-yoon |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin |  Korea |
| Original language(s) | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 16 |
Corvid19 Lockdown
Circuit Breaker, Stay Home
7 April 2020 - 1 June 2020
Funny stuff about living with Covid19
29 oct 2020
collected our 1st tokens
6 May 2021
our tokens ran out of battery so we changed to new ones
new masks! march 2021
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