My Drama Boyfriends :D
I decided to follow the rest of my peeps, and do my top 12 drama boyfriend list.
In response to cranberrysheep's Drama Boyfriend Playoffs, I listed my top 12 (well, technically it was 13, but who's counting) ideal drama boyfriends. And then ambergold and princess-dexter made more detailed posts, and well, I decided to as well!
And because I wanted pictures (and since a lot of my choices are from dramas I watched ages ago, when I didn't know how to screencap) I didn't have any ready to use caps, so I spent awhile going through my big ol' folder of drama discs. But this also meant I spent awhile rewatching my favorite parts of various dramas. But I'll get to that later.
Amusingly about half are from twdramas. Apparently I still love me some Taiwanese men after all ;P. Oddly, a lot of my choices are from unpopular dramas as well. And I totally have actor repeat offenders (three of them, actually!)
Anyway, list! (Note, the frst 5 aren't really in any concrete order. I love them all too much to choose between them)
1. Xu Le (Zai Zai / Vic Zhou Yu Min) - Wish to See You Again
Xu Le is the stereotypical eccentric writer. He lives mostly in his own world, where he dreams up amazingly romantic stories that NEVER have a happy ending. He only had two friends, and is essentially socially retarded. But he's also sweet, extremely loyal, funny, and kind. He would give anything to see his friends happy, and while maybe he's not the best at commitment, he tries. He's difficult, but then, so am I. Also he loves ketchup, and that is a definite plus in my book. Ketchup = win.
2. Ah Ken (Mike He Jun Xiang) - Love Contract
My love for Ah Ken knows no humanely bounds. He's a lot like Xu Le, actually. He's a bit of a douche. A total loner, who is undeniably blunt and straightforward in his approach to human interaction. Despite this, when he make friends, he makes them for life. The same goes for when he falls in love. Once you look past his gruff exterior, he's amazing. He takes care of his flighty mother, and is such a responsible adult even though he's only in college. Ah Ken's love story is one of my favorites of all time, and the thought of the love and dedication he had for Xiao Feng still makes me weep inside.
3. Tae Bong (Lee Min Ki) - Dal Ja's Spring
Tae Bong is basically the epitome of the ideal boyfriend. He's mature, smart, funny, charismatic, sweet, doesn't care about stupid little things like how society views him, is passionate about his life, and won't settle for being unhappy. I like him best for the last point. I don't want ANYONE who is content to settle for being anything less than amazingly happy. I also love how he's willing to give that up because maybe he's found someone who makes him even happier. Everything Tae Bong does is gold, and I love him to death for it.
4. Lucas (Ethan Ruan Jing Tian) - My Queen
I think Lucas is possibly the most mature drama hero I've ever seen. He's amazing. Not only is he ridiculously smart, talented, good looking, and witty, but he doesn't back down from the most formidable drama heroine I've ever seen (Shan Wu Shuang, I still adore the hell out of you). The fact that his personality is strong enough to stand up to hers makes me find him incredibly attractive. Add in that he loves her so much that he's willing to step aside so that she might find happiness with another, well, I don't think I could love him more. Even though sometimes he acts childish, I know it's because he's found the one woman he loves with everything. And you can forgive people of things like that.
5. Han Kyul (Gong Yoo) - Coffee Prince
It seems that no list would be complete without Han Kyul. I sure as hell don't need to preach to the choir about him. He's like the most ideal man ever. He loved Eun Chan even when he thought she was male. He looked past the fact that she had been lying to him from the beginning because he loved her that much. He's charming, and childish (in a good way!), and to-die-for hot. Yeah, he's a keeper.
6. Tae In (Gong Yoo) - Hello My Teacher
Gong Yoo again ;D! The thing about Tae In that really makes me love him is that he's not afraid to show how much he loves Bo Ri. It doesn't matter that she's 6 years older than him. It doesn't matter that she's his teacher. That fact that she's engaged to his brother doesn't even matter either. He loves her, and he's not afraid to show it in the most amazingly romantic ways possible. He's also ALWAYS there for her, and takes the time to get to know her as a person. Because of this, I can overlook the fact that he's an arrogant jerk :D
7. Dr. Yuki (Hiraoka Yuta) - First Kiss
It makes me sad that not many people have watched First Kiss, because then they don't get to experience the utter amazing-ness of Dr. Yuki, because believe me, he's pretty awesome. The best thing about Dr. Yuki is his compassion. He has amazing amounts of it, which comes in handy as a doctor. He's also pretty dorky, and naive, which just adds to the pot. He's basically the epitome of a nice guy, and yet he's still passionate enough to fight with Mio's brother about dating her. Plus, you know, he's a doctor. And rich. And hot.
8. Naoki (Yamapi) - Buzzer Beat
Oh, Naoki. I admit, Naoki's very stoic, but I think that's what makes me like him so much. He's doesn't reveal his feelings easily, but when he does, they come out full force. He's such a nice guy, and doesn't deserve being cheated on or taken for granted. I mean, this is a guy who will care for you when you're sick (or drunk...), cook you food, clean your apartment, and just take care of you... He starts out as this very thin character, but as time goes on, he opens up, and lets himself feel. He doesn't seem it, but he's complex. Kinda silent and broody, which is always good. And I admit, from the second he saved a bug from being squished, well, I was in love.
9. Jun Hao (Ming Dao) - Prince Turns to Frog
There's no hiding the fact that Jun Hao is a complete asshole (at least to begin with). He's power and money hungry, and he'll do whatever it takes to keep up his image. And yet when he loses his memory, and becomes Dang Ou, he's such a nice guy it's hard to imagine that they're the same person. When his memory reverts to normal, you can see that Dang Ou was with him all along, just hidden away. Despite everything, Jun Hao is a good person, and tries very hard to fix everything. And when he falls in love, well, nothing will stand in the way.
10. Ke Lou (Michael Zhang Xun Jie) - A Game About Love
Another drama that not many people have seen (not that I'd really recommend watching it... it's, um, slow), but has one of the best characters! I love Ke Lou. He's a poor artist who works on the wharf in Danshui (which is where I used to live!), and had to deal with his deadbeat of a mother, and falling in love with a girl who doesn't love him back. He's angsty, quiet, artistic, and just amazing. He is great friends with the girl he falls in love with, and treats her amazingly. I wish he had been more mature about not being the one she fell in love with, but even the best have breaking points, eh? (Plus, I think he's the only Asian guy I like with facial hair)
11. Sakutaro (Yamada Takayuki) - Sekachu
The way I view Saku is kinda combination of the drama, and the original novel, so it might not make that sense to people who have only seen the drama... Anyway, Saku starts out the story as a normal angsty teenager. He's a bit of a smartass, and thinks he knows everything. But then his relationship with Aki blossoms, and so does he. He turns into the type of guy that everyone wants, utterly dependable, and devoted only to you. He loves Aki SO MUCH that fifteen years later he can't move on with his life (incidentally the fact that he's so hung up on it is why he's so low on my list). The best part of him is that he isn't intimidated by Aki being sick. He continues to love her no matter what.
(tie) 12. Huo Da (Mike He Jun Xiang) - Why Why Love
Huo Da is the exact kind of arrogant asshole type I love. He's spoiled, ill tempered, rude, and a pain in the ass. But at the same time he cares so much about those he loves. He might not get along with everyone (most people...), but it doesn't matter because he doesn't care about most people, only those he loves. He sometimes acts like a child, which means he's fun and entertaining. And hey, at least being with him would never be boring.
(tie) 12. Hwal (Lee Jung Jae) - Triple
A lot of people won't get my choice of Hwal. He's certainly not the most attractive, and he's the oldest on the list. But that doesn't matter in the slightest. Because Hwal is such an amazing amazing guy. He started out icy and stoic, and slowly, during the course of his relationship with Haru, he warmed out. He turned into possibly the most perfect older-man type ever. His heart is so good, and though he may not show it, he's such a sweetheart. The reason he's lower on my list is that poor Hwal cannot let go, and look forward instead of back. He spent far too long thinking of his old relationship to realize that not only was that relationship too flawed to fix, but that he was ignoring something amazing right in front of him.
BONUS! (ie, the "how is it possible I could forget him?!" section...)
Rui (Oguri Shun) / Hua Ze Lei (Zai Zai) / Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong) - Hana Yori Dango / Meteor Garden / Boys Before Flowers
I don't know how it's possible I forgot about Rui in my original list (I'm calling him Rui throughout, based on the original material). I've been in love with Rui as a character for so long, since the first time I saw the anime in high school. He's so perfect it's not even funny. He starts out as so cold, and so blatantly disregardful of everyone's feelings. And yet, he warms up (with the help of Tsukushi), and becomes one of the best characters ever. He loves Tsukushi SO MUCH, and yet realizes she doesn't love him, and is willing to step aside for her happiness. It's so sad, and breaks my heart so much (I'm a Domyoji/Tsukushi shipper, so it's hard for me to reconcile my intense love for Rui). He's also possibly the best friend ever to Tsukushi, and just ehhh... Rui = love, no doubt about it... if I could change my list he'd definitely be at the top. (The only reason I'm not including Duan Mu Lei is that i didn't watch enough of Meteor Shower to get a feel for him, but I figure it's the same :D )
In response to cranberrysheep's Drama Boyfriend Playoffs, I listed my top 12 (well, technically it was 13, but who's counting) ideal drama boyfriends. And then ambergold and princess-dexter made more detailed posts, and well, I decided to as well!
And because I wanted pictures (and since a lot of my choices are from dramas I watched ages ago, when I didn't know how to screencap) I didn't have any ready to use caps, so I spent awhile going through my big ol' folder of drama discs. But this also meant I spent awhile rewatching my favorite parts of various dramas. But I'll get to that later.
Amusingly about half are from twdramas. Apparently I still love me some Taiwanese men after all ;P. Oddly, a lot of my choices are from unpopular dramas as well. And I totally have actor repeat offenders (three of them, actually!)
Anyway, list! (Note, the frst 5 aren't really in any concrete order. I love them all too much to choose between them)
1. Xu Le (Zai Zai / Vic Zhou Yu Min) - Wish to See You Again
Xu Le is the stereotypical eccentric writer. He lives mostly in his own world, where he dreams up amazingly romantic stories that NEVER have a happy ending. He only had two friends, and is essentially socially retarded. But he's also sweet, extremely loyal, funny, and kind. He would give anything to see his friends happy, and while maybe he's not the best at commitment, he tries. He's difficult, but then, so am I. Also he loves ketchup, and that is a definite plus in my book. Ketchup = win.
2. Ah Ken (Mike He Jun Xiang) - Love Contract
My love for Ah Ken knows no humanely bounds. He's a lot like Xu Le, actually. He's a bit of a douche. A total loner, who is undeniably blunt and straightforward in his approach to human interaction. Despite this, when he make friends, he makes them for life. The same goes for when he falls in love. Once you look past his gruff exterior, he's amazing. He takes care of his flighty mother, and is such a responsible adult even though he's only in college. Ah Ken's love story is one of my favorites of all time, and the thought of the love and dedication he had for Xiao Feng still makes me weep inside.
3. Tae Bong (Lee Min Ki) - Dal Ja's Spring
Tae Bong is basically the epitome of the ideal boyfriend. He's mature, smart, funny, charismatic, sweet, doesn't care about stupid little things like how society views him, is passionate about his life, and won't settle for being unhappy. I like him best for the last point. I don't want ANYONE who is content to settle for being anything less than amazingly happy. I also love how he's willing to give that up because maybe he's found someone who makes him even happier. Everything Tae Bong does is gold, and I love him to death for it.
4. Lucas (Ethan Ruan Jing Tian) - My Queen
I think Lucas is possibly the most mature drama hero I've ever seen. He's amazing. Not only is he ridiculously smart, talented, good looking, and witty, but he doesn't back down from the most formidable drama heroine I've ever seen (Shan Wu Shuang, I still adore the hell out of you). The fact that his personality is strong enough to stand up to hers makes me find him incredibly attractive. Add in that he loves her so much that he's willing to step aside so that she might find happiness with another, well, I don't think I could love him more. Even though sometimes he acts childish, I know it's because he's found the one woman he loves with everything. And you can forgive people of things like that.
5. Han Kyul (Gong Yoo) - Coffee Prince
It seems that no list would be complete without Han Kyul. I sure as hell don't need to preach to the choir about him. He's like the most ideal man ever. He loved Eun Chan even when he thought she was male. He looked past the fact that she had been lying to him from the beginning because he loved her that much. He's charming, and childish (in a good way!), and to-die-for hot. Yeah, he's a keeper.
6. Tae In (Gong Yoo) - Hello My Teacher
Gong Yoo again ;D! The thing about Tae In that really makes me love him is that he's not afraid to show how much he loves Bo Ri. It doesn't matter that she's 6 years older than him. It doesn't matter that she's his teacher. That fact that she's engaged to his brother doesn't even matter either. He loves her, and he's not afraid to show it in the most amazingly romantic ways possible. He's also ALWAYS there for her, and takes the time to get to know her as a person. Because of this, I can overlook the fact that he's an arrogant jerk :D
7. Dr. Yuki (Hiraoka Yuta) - First Kiss
It makes me sad that not many people have watched First Kiss, because then they don't get to experience the utter amazing-ness of Dr. Yuki, because believe me, he's pretty awesome. The best thing about Dr. Yuki is his compassion. He has amazing amounts of it, which comes in handy as a doctor. He's also pretty dorky, and naive, which just adds to the pot. He's basically the epitome of a nice guy, and yet he's still passionate enough to fight with Mio's brother about dating her. Plus, you know, he's a doctor. And rich. And hot.
8. Naoki (Yamapi) - Buzzer Beat
Oh, Naoki. I admit, Naoki's very stoic, but I think that's what makes me like him so much. He's doesn't reveal his feelings easily, but when he does, they come out full force. He's such a nice guy, and doesn't deserve being cheated on or taken for granted. I mean, this is a guy who will care for you when you're sick (or drunk...), cook you food, clean your apartment, and just take care of you... He starts out as this very thin character, but as time goes on, he opens up, and lets himself feel. He doesn't seem it, but he's complex. Kinda silent and broody, which is always good. And I admit, from the second he saved a bug from being squished, well, I was in love.
9. Jun Hao (Ming Dao) - Prince Turns to Frog
There's no hiding the fact that Jun Hao is a complete asshole (at least to begin with). He's power and money hungry, and he'll do whatever it takes to keep up his image. And yet when he loses his memory, and becomes Dang Ou, he's such a nice guy it's hard to imagine that they're the same person. When his memory reverts to normal, you can see that Dang Ou was with him all along, just hidden away. Despite everything, Jun Hao is a good person, and tries very hard to fix everything. And when he falls in love, well, nothing will stand in the way.
10. Ke Lou (Michael Zhang Xun Jie) - A Game About Love
Another drama that not many people have seen (not that I'd really recommend watching it... it's, um, slow), but has one of the best characters! I love Ke Lou. He's a poor artist who works on the wharf in Danshui (which is where I used to live!), and had to deal with his deadbeat of a mother, and falling in love with a girl who doesn't love him back. He's angsty, quiet, artistic, and just amazing. He is great friends with the girl he falls in love with, and treats her amazingly. I wish he had been more mature about not being the one she fell in love with, but even the best have breaking points, eh? (Plus, I think he's the only Asian guy I like with facial hair)
11. Sakutaro (Yamada Takayuki) - Sekachu
The way I view Saku is kinda combination of the drama, and the original novel, so it might not make that sense to people who have only seen the drama... Anyway, Saku starts out the story as a normal angsty teenager. He's a bit of a smartass, and thinks he knows everything. But then his relationship with Aki blossoms, and so does he. He turns into the type of guy that everyone wants, utterly dependable, and devoted only to you. He loves Aki SO MUCH that fifteen years later he can't move on with his life (incidentally the fact that he's so hung up on it is why he's so low on my list). The best part of him is that he isn't intimidated by Aki being sick. He continues to love her no matter what.
(tie) 12. Huo Da (Mike He Jun Xiang) - Why Why Love
Huo Da is the exact kind of arrogant asshole type I love. He's spoiled, ill tempered, rude, and a pain in the ass. But at the same time he cares so much about those he loves. He might not get along with everyone (most people...), but it doesn't matter because he doesn't care about most people, only those he loves. He sometimes acts like a child, which means he's fun and entertaining. And hey, at least being with him would never be boring.
(tie) 12. Hwal (Lee Jung Jae) - Triple
A lot of people won't get my choice of Hwal. He's certainly not the most attractive, and he's the oldest on the list. But that doesn't matter in the slightest. Because Hwal is such an amazing amazing guy. He started out icy and stoic, and slowly, during the course of his relationship with Haru, he warmed out. He turned into possibly the most perfect older-man type ever. His heart is so good, and though he may not show it, he's such a sweetheart. The reason he's lower on my list is that poor Hwal cannot let go, and look forward instead of back. He spent far too long thinking of his old relationship to realize that not only was that relationship too flawed to fix, but that he was ignoring something amazing right in front of him.
BONUS! (ie, the "how is it possible I could forget him?!" section...)
Rui (Oguri Shun) / Hua Ze Lei (Zai Zai) / Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong) - Hana Yori Dango / Meteor Garden / Boys Before Flowers
I don't know how it's possible I forgot about Rui in my original list (I'm calling him Rui throughout, based on the original material). I've been in love with Rui as a character for so long, since the first time I saw the anime in high school. He's so perfect it's not even funny. He starts out as so cold, and so blatantly disregardful of everyone's feelings. And yet, he warms up (with the help of Tsukushi), and becomes one of the best characters ever. He loves Tsukushi SO MUCH, and yet realizes she doesn't love him, and is willing to step aside for her happiness. It's so sad, and breaks my heart so much (I'm a Domyoji/Tsukushi shipper, so it's hard for me to reconcile my intense love for Rui). He's also possibly the best friend ever to Tsukushi, and just ehhh... Rui = love, no doubt about it... if I could change my list he'd definitely be at the top. (The only reason I'm not including Duan Mu Lei is that i didn't watch enough of Meteor Shower to get a feel for him, but I figure it's the same :D )