Did you ever watch the trashy, cheesy, irresistible trainwreck that was jdrama Jotei, about a woman desiring to get revenge on those who ruined her life by becoming Japan's top hostess? Did you ever think this was crying for a remake?
Well, fear not! Kdramas are here to help you. Enter The Empress, the Korean remake. It's airing on a cable channel (unsurprising, with that topic), is 13 episodes, and is being subbed on viki.
Surprisingly, I am really enjoying it, one episode in. Sure, it's still as trashy as a Jackie Collins novel on uppers, But it's also ridiculously fun. I also find it much better than the jdrama because, in addition to production values being higher (not much of a feat), they have aged the characters to University age. Imagining high schoolers getting involved in these shenanigans caused my suspension of disbelief cringe and run off whimpering, abandoning me for good.
It also helps that the Korean actress, Jang Shin Yeong, is both prettier than Kato Rosa and is a better actress. Mind you, she is not winning the Baeksang any time soon, but Kato Rosa is pretty much the worst drama actress I've seen, so JSY is a glorious winner in this competition.
Also, Shota's character of devoted thug is played by the above sexy sexy bit of manliness.
I adore Matsuda Shota to bits, but there is no question the Kang Ji Sub makes a much more believable thug. I was always worried Shota would collapse in on himself if he as much as attempted to punch someone.