Favorite K-dramas - Part 1
I've been meaning to write an entry about my passion for Korean dramas. My plan was to list all the series that I've watched and possibly, post a picture or two of each series. However, a fellow Legend-natic,
miss_dian , posted her Top Ten Doramas and I've decided to do just the same. But before I go on any further, let me tell you a bit of history about my love affair with Asian dramas.
The first Asian drama that I've watched was Meteor Garden in 2003. It was such a hit here in the Philippines. Of course, it was dubbed in our native tongue and it was kinda weird at first to watch Taiwenese actors and actresses speak in lingua franca. I enjoyed the series immensely but as far as I know, it didn't leave much of an impact (as compared to my sister who fell in love with Dao Ming Si and Shancai). I liked it but not enough reason to rouse me from my depression that time, as I was out of work and recovering from a grave illness.
Then Korean dramas were introduced in our local television scene. I remember watching Winter Sonata, with Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo as lead stars. Watching Korean series has helped me take my mind off my illness and the unwanted physical and emotional burdens that went with it. It provided me refuge, solace and an escape from that horrible and trying period of my life. Watching k-series has opened a lot of doors for me. I've learned a lot about Korean culture through these dramas. Also, I've met new friends who share my passion for Korean stuff. Furthermore, I've come to love anything that is Korean, from the cuisine, the clothes and yes...the country itself! Going to and visiting Korea for a few days is one of my fondest dreams. I don't know when but I will definitely go there! And oh by the way, I won't forget the fabulous actresses and the handsome actors (how they make my heart pound!!) who reduce me to a giddy-silly teenager!
My list is limited on Korean dramas, as I've only watched a few Taiwanese and Japanese series:
1. THE LEGEND. This series toppled my number 1 K-drama of all time because of the over-all quality of the production - from the excellent cast, superb performances, plot, costumes, special effects and the awesome musical scores. Even if I've finished watching the series already, I'm still eagerly watching it every night on the local channel. I've been such an addict to this series and obsessed by it that my co-workers and my parents would just indulge me when I talk about it for every now and then. Of course, the main reason why I love this series to the nth level is because of Bae Yong Joon, who made a much awaited comeback after an absence of several years from drama world. I’m obsessed with this guy, really. Oh, never forget the great team-up of Bae and the newcomer, Lee Ji Ah.
2. WINTER SONATA. OMG! This is my all-time favorite Korean drama (which formerly occupied the number 1 spot). This is where I first watched Bae Yong Joon and boy, I fell head over heels since then. I love the chemistry between Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo, really fantastic! I don’t know but the intensity is really there - no need for dialogues but superb performances; just the subtle eye movements blew me away! Apart from the great chemistry of the lead actors, several elements were outstanding: 1) the often described to as melancholic and depressing winter landscape was transformed into a breathtaking winter cinematography; 2) the haunting and heartbreaking musical scores which never failed to make me want to cry; 3) the use of symbolism throughout the series - Polaris, missing puzzle piece and of course, the meaning of the first snow fall. Some find the series too slow in pace; too depressing and too far-fetched pertaining to the plot. But for me, the leads’ chemistry is just so awesome that I’ve accepted its flaws and all.
3. ALL ABOUT EVE. Another great series, although an old one (2000). A fast-paced drama with an excellent storyline. The plot, which revolves around two young and beautiful women competing against friendship, career, success and most especially love, has left me gasping at every turn. Such that I’ve managed to watch the 20-episode series in two straight days (with a couple of hours’ sleep)! The four main protagonists were so convincing that I was totally immersed in the series. Sun Mi (Chae Rim) was very lovable and adorable while Hyung Chul (the dashing Jang Dong Gun) was the ideal (to the point of being overly unrealistic) boyfriend and friend of Sun Mi. It was the first time I've watched Jang Dong Gun but I’ve also fallen in love with him (which makes him my “other” Korean hottie). What an eye candy! He is so handsome and his portrayal of Hyung Chul who is so devoted, loyal and supportive of Sun Mi is so endearing. Sun Mi and Hyung Chul’s scenes together reduced me into a giddy-giggling teenager. I've sometimes caught myself smiling when I remember such moments to the point that people around thought that I’m going crazy. Of course, let me not forget the two other characters: Young Mi (Kim So Yeon) as the evil, greedy and scheming girl who wanted to get everything from Sun Mi. Kim So Yeon’s portrayal of her character was very effective that it left me wishing her to the far ends of the Earth. Even my mom had to stop from watching the series because her blood pressure would shoot up after watching her scenes. The other male lead is Woo Jin, portrayed by Han Jae Suk, who has weak personality because of his love for Young Mi. A very exciting series, indeed!
4. MISS MERMAID. Another unforgettable drama with powerful performances from a very talented cast. A very long series with 246 episodes, it wasn’t at all boring and dragging. The main reason lies in its excellent plot which of focuses on Ariyung (Jang Seo Hee) who plots revenge against her father (who abandoned her and her mother); her father’s new wife and her half-sister. Her revenge is so cleverly planned and executed that her father’s second family was caught unaware. However, things got out of hand when she executed her plan of seducing and snatching her half-sister’s fiancé. Love for family as well as love for a her sister’s fiancé became a torment for Ariyung. This series is so amazing because its storyline is very realistic. I met people who watched the series and got comments that they can relate to the characters and the story. Jang Seo Hee is an excellent actress; her performance was very effective that I got really carried away(she even won the Best Actress; Most Popular Actress; Netizen’s Popularity Award and Best Couple with Kim Sung Min in the 2002 MBC Drama Awards). Kim Sung Min, formerly known as Kim Sung Taek, was a revelation even if he is a newcomer. Of course, the other characters gave superb performances as well.
5. JUMONG. I have this penchant for historical dramas. I really, really love this series - from the cast, costumes, plot, the battle scenes, and most especially the music. Goodness, I love it when the instrumental tracks, such as “Longing,” “Sad Fate,” and “Heaven” were played during emotional-charged scenes. Song Il Gook (Jumong) certainly grew on me while I adore Han Hye Jin (Soseono) and I was really hooked with their love story despite the ending. But what I really love was the portrayal of the roles of King Geumwa, Lady Yuhwa, Queen Won-hu, and Haemosu by veteran actors and actresses. I love them to bits!
Gosh, I've certainly wrote a very long entry and it's not even finished! I easily get carried away when writing or talking about Korean dramas. So, please indulge me.
* Part 2 to follow asap*
miss_dian , posted her Top Ten Doramas and I've decided to do just the same. But before I go on any further, let me tell you a bit of history about my love affair with Asian dramas.
The first Asian drama that I've watched was Meteor Garden in 2003. It was such a hit here in the Philippines. Of course, it was dubbed in our native tongue and it was kinda weird at first to watch Taiwenese actors and actresses speak in lingua franca. I enjoyed the series immensely but as far as I know, it didn't leave much of an impact (as compared to my sister who fell in love with Dao Ming Si and Shancai). I liked it but not enough reason to rouse me from my depression that time, as I was out of work and recovering from a grave illness.
Then Korean dramas were introduced in our local television scene. I remember watching Winter Sonata, with Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo as lead stars. Watching Korean series has helped me take my mind off my illness and the unwanted physical and emotional burdens that went with it. It provided me refuge, solace and an escape from that horrible and trying period of my life. Watching k-series has opened a lot of doors for me. I've learned a lot about Korean culture through these dramas. Also, I've met new friends who share my passion for Korean stuff. Furthermore, I've come to love anything that is Korean, from the cuisine, the clothes and yes...the country itself! Going to and visiting Korea for a few days is one of my fondest dreams. I don't know when but I will definitely go there! And oh by the way, I won't forget the fabulous actresses and the handsome actors (how they make my heart pound!!) who reduce me to a giddy-silly teenager!
My list is limited on Korean dramas, as I've only watched a few Taiwanese and Japanese series:
1. THE LEGEND. This series toppled my number 1 K-drama of all time because of the over-all quality of the production - from the excellent cast, superb performances, plot, costumes, special effects and the awesome musical scores. Even if I've finished watching the series already, I'm still eagerly watching it every night on the local channel. I've been such an addict to this series and obsessed by it that my co-workers and my parents would just indulge me when I talk about it for every now and then. Of course, the main reason why I love this series to the nth level is because of Bae Yong Joon, who made a much awaited comeback after an absence of several years from drama world. I’m obsessed with this guy, really. Oh, never forget the great team-up of Bae and the newcomer, Lee Ji Ah.
2. WINTER SONATA. OMG! This is my all-time favorite Korean drama (which formerly occupied the number 1 spot). This is where I first watched Bae Yong Joon and boy, I fell head over heels since then. I love the chemistry between Bae Yong Joon and Choi Ji Woo, really fantastic! I don’t know but the intensity is really there - no need for dialogues but superb performances; just the subtle eye movements blew me away! Apart from the great chemistry of the lead actors, several elements were outstanding: 1) the often described to as melancholic and depressing winter landscape was transformed into a breathtaking winter cinematography; 2) the haunting and heartbreaking musical scores which never failed to make me want to cry; 3) the use of symbolism throughout the series - Polaris, missing puzzle piece and of course, the meaning of the first snow fall. Some find the series too slow in pace; too depressing and too far-fetched pertaining to the plot. But for me, the leads’ chemistry is just so awesome that I’ve accepted its flaws and all.
3. ALL ABOUT EVE. Another great series, although an old one (2000). A fast-paced drama with an excellent storyline. The plot, which revolves around two young and beautiful women competing against friendship, career, success and most especially love, has left me gasping at every turn. Such that I’ve managed to watch the 20-episode series in two straight days (with a couple of hours’ sleep)! The four main protagonists were so convincing that I was totally immersed in the series. Sun Mi (Chae Rim) was very lovable and adorable while Hyung Chul (the dashing Jang Dong Gun) was the ideal (to the point of being overly unrealistic) boyfriend and friend of Sun Mi. It was the first time I've watched Jang Dong Gun but I’ve also fallen in love with him (which makes him my “other” Korean hottie). What an eye candy! He is so handsome and his portrayal of Hyung Chul who is so devoted, loyal and supportive of Sun Mi is so endearing. Sun Mi and Hyung Chul’s scenes together reduced me into a giddy-giggling teenager. I've sometimes caught myself smiling when I remember such moments to the point that people around thought that I’m going crazy. Of course, let me not forget the two other characters: Young Mi (Kim So Yeon) as the evil, greedy and scheming girl who wanted to get everything from Sun Mi. Kim So Yeon’s portrayal of her character was very effective that it left me wishing her to the far ends of the Earth. Even my mom had to stop from watching the series because her blood pressure would shoot up after watching her scenes. The other male lead is Woo Jin, portrayed by Han Jae Suk, who has weak personality because of his love for Young Mi. A very exciting series, indeed!
4. MISS MERMAID. Another unforgettable drama with powerful performances from a very talented cast. A very long series with 246 episodes, it wasn’t at all boring and dragging. The main reason lies in its excellent plot which of focuses on Ariyung (Jang Seo Hee) who plots revenge against her father (who abandoned her and her mother); her father’s new wife and her half-sister. Her revenge is so cleverly planned and executed that her father’s second family was caught unaware. However, things got out of hand when she executed her plan of seducing and snatching her half-sister’s fiancé. Love for family as well as love for a her sister’s fiancé became a torment for Ariyung. This series is so amazing because its storyline is very realistic. I met people who watched the series and got comments that they can relate to the characters and the story. Jang Seo Hee is an excellent actress; her performance was very effective that I got really carried away(she even won the Best Actress; Most Popular Actress; Netizen’s Popularity Award and Best Couple with Kim Sung Min in the 2002 MBC Drama Awards). Kim Sung Min, formerly known as Kim Sung Taek, was a revelation even if he is a newcomer. Of course, the other characters gave superb performances as well.
5. JUMONG. I have this penchant for historical dramas. I really, really love this series - from the cast, costumes, plot, the battle scenes, and most especially the music. Goodness, I love it when the instrumental tracks, such as “Longing,” “Sad Fate,” and “Heaven” were played during emotional-charged scenes. Song Il Gook (Jumong) certainly grew on me while I adore Han Hye Jin (Soseono) and I was really hooked with their love story despite the ending. But what I really love was the portrayal of the roles of King Geumwa, Lady Yuhwa, Queen Won-hu, and Haemosu by veteran actors and actresses. I love them to bits!
Gosh, I've certainly wrote a very long entry and it's not even finished! I easily get carried away when writing or talking about Korean dramas. So, please indulge me.
* Part 2 to follow asap*