49 Days Review

Year: 2011

Episodes: 20

Language: Korean

Genre: drama, fantasy, romance

Image Credit: 49 Days


Synopsis: 

After a serious car accident, Shin Ji Hyun (Nam Gyu Ri) is pronounced as brain dead. It's not her time to die yet, so her soul remains on earth. She meets the Scheduler (Jung Il Woo) and is given a task to collect at least three tears that are 100% genuine from people that are not blood-related to her. If she is able to complete this mission within 49 days, she gets to live again. She borrows the body of Yi Kyung (Lee Yo Won), a girl who wants to die and lives like a zombie for five years. As the series progresses, the bond between the two different women becomes stronger. Ji Hyun also starts to see her life from a different perspective as she learns about the man who truly loves her.


Cheerfulnuts' Review: 

Watching 49 Days makes me feel like being possessed by a spirit. I became hooked and couldn't get it off my mind. The drama starts with all the characters being introduced in one episode. Before I get to like any of them, a girl dies. I didn't even know that she's the protagonist (I haven't seen the poster). From then on, I became addicted to 49 days. I couldn't wait to see what was next!

The story focuses on Ji Hyun, the nearly-dead girl who has an almost perfect life during her lifetime. She is rich and loved by her parents. She is about to get married to a wonderful man. Her friends love her. But K-dramas seem to hate happy people. Before she can live happily ever after, a woman named Yi Kyung attempts suicide by running into traffic. She doesn't die but she causes a truck to swerve, which leads to several car crashes. Just then, the happy Ji Hyun arrives to the scene and her car crashes to a truck. Her soul pops out of her body and she is shocked to see herself unconscious in her car. She helplessly watches herself being rushed to the hospital and her loved ones crying over her.

She realizes that she's become a ghost. Only one man can see her though. He is known as the Scheduler, which is the series' fancy term for Grim Reaper. He explains that she is not supposed to be dead. Since it's not her time yet, she is given a chance to reclaim her life by collecting three tears that are 100 percent genuine. It means that at least three people have genuinely loved her, making her life worth living again. To do this, she is allowed to borrow the body of Yi Kyung while she sleeps. There are rules though, and the most important one is she cannot tell anyone that she's Ji Hyun.

The girl is relieved to hear it. She is confident that she can retrieve three tears in no time. She believes she can even collect more than that. Little does she know that getting those tears is not as easy as she thinks. And she realizes this painful reality as the drama progresses.

The drama has piqued my curiosity. The storyline may not be very original, but it's very interesting. As I followed Ji Hyun in her mission, I could actually feel that I am her. The emotions are very real. I watched her collapse as she learns about her bestfriend and her fiance's betrayal. I watched her parents trying to be strong for their daughter. I watched her old classmate Han Kang loving her even without her knowing it. It shows the irony of life. Sometimes, life isn't what is seems to be. People whom you think love you may not really love you, and those you think hate you may have loved you all along. It gives me a different perspective about life, love, and relationship. It's sad that Ji Hyun only gets to see who truly loves her when she's half-dead. I came to a conclusion that it's not your status, your career, nor your appearance that defines who you are. It's your soul that counts. And those who can see right through your thick outer shell are the ones who truly love you. We focus too much on superficial things.

Despite the gravity of the plot, 49 Days has it's light and sweet moments too. The Scheduler provides a comic relief in the story. He's one funny Grim Reaper LOL. What's more amusing is he has a story too. I love the love story of this drama. I am definitely a fan of Han Kang's (Jo Hyun Jae) character! I just love the chemistry between him and Ji Hyun/Yi Kyung. Han Kang is one stubborn guy who has been in love with Ji Hyun since high school. Of course, Ji Hyun doesn't know it and thinks he hates her. Another lesson learned: let the woman you love know your feelings.

In terms of acting, most actors did a great job. The Scheduler is the favorite of viewers. While I agree, I think Kang Min Ho (Bae Soo Bin) is the best actor in the series. Ninety-nine percent of a time, he did a decent job. But the remaining 1%, which is when he exhibits strong emotions, is really superb!

This is one of the few K-dramas that make me think really hard. It has made it to my list of favorite dramas of all time. SPOILER ALERT: My only gripe is the ending! Yes, I can deal with Ji Hyun's death. But not telling Han Kang about it, or not even telling him she loves him, is totally absurd! Before Ji Hyun finishes her 49 days, she cries to the Scheduler and says she's willing to give up her three remaining days in exchange for three hours with Han Kang as herself. But when she can finally do it, I don't understand why she has to pretend not to love him! Anyway, the ending got mixed reactions. You may like it or you may hate it.

Overall, this Korean drama is a must-watch! 49 Days made me cry bucket of tears. It has several poignant moments. I really appreciate to see the increasing bond between Ji Hyun and Yi Kyung. Ji Hyun used to be a bit selfish (though she has a big heart). Seeing her starting to care for Yi Kyung is a turning point in her character. It makes me love her more. I highly recommend this drama to everyone.


Cheerfulnuts' Verdict: 

9 out of 10 stars

One less star because of that one gripe.

Personal Taste Review

Personal Taste

Alternative Title: Personal Preference

Chinese Title: 個人取向

Year: 2010

Language: Korean

Genre: Romantic-Comedy, Drama

Episodes: 16

Image Credit: Amazon

Synopsis:

Park Gae In (Son Ye Jin) is a furniture designer who lives in a traditional Korean house, Sanggogae. She is kind but clumsy and terribly naive. In a few occasions, she encounters Jeon Jin Ho (Lee Min Ho), an architect whom she presumes later on as gay. Due to some misunderstandings, the two develop some dislike with each other.

After Gae In's boyfriend Han Chang Ryul (Kim Ji Seok) breaks up with her, she attends the wedding of her long-time friend and roommate Kim In Hee (Wang Ji Hye). To her horror, she finds out that the groom is none other than her ex-boyfriend. As if that isn't bad enough, she gets home and learns that her employee Won Ho uses her house as collateral for loan.

On the other hand, Jin Ho is facing some financial problems in his small firm, making him eager to win the contract in building the Dam Art Gallery. He finds out that the head of the museum is in love with the Sanggogae and initially wants its designer, the legendary architect Park Chul Han (Kang Shin Il) and also the father of Gae In, to design the gallery. The latter, however, turns down his request.

Wanting to learn more about the mysterious Sanggogae and after overhearing about Gae In's debts, Jin Ho pretends to be looking for a new place. He convinces Gae In to rent out a room to him. Due to her dire need of money, Gae In agrees.

After they become roommates, their initial dislike for each other slowly turns into budding friendship. Despite the gay presumption, the roomies start to feel something more for each other.

Cheerfulnuts' Review:

After watching City Hunter, I had an extreme City Hunter withdrawal (or rather, Lee Min Ho withdrawal), so I decided to watch another highly-rated drama of Lee Min Ho – Personal Taste.

The female lead is Son Ye Jin. Though I'm not sure about the pairing, I love her in The Classic and Lover's Concerto. As a romantic-comedy drama, I didn't expect a strong plot in Personal Taste. Granted, the two leads are enough to make me want to watch this.

Personal Taste starts strongly. In the first episode, it immediately gives you the gist of the story and its ending leaves quite an impression to me.

The drama is hilarious. The two leads are really cute and adorable. They totally won me over despite their huge age gap. I thought this drama is something my dad (or some men) could tolerate watching. I changed my mind though after the series progresses. The latter part is more sweet than funny, so it is more fitting for females to watch.

I didn't expect that Personal Taste would have such an emotional impact on me. I enjoy watching Gae In and Jin Ho's growing friendship. It has some poignant moments, like when Gae In opens up to Jin Ho and vice versa. I do get teary-eyed in these parts. Jin Ho acts cool, but it's really sweet when he starts to soften up with Gae In. I really love how he looks at her. His gaze is filled with care and love for a friend. And Gae In, she causes troubles sometimes, but her deep love for her friends is very touching. She's definitely a keeper.

Sang Jun's acting as gay is really hilarious! Gae In thinks that Jin Ho has a lot of boyfriends and mistakes Sang Jun and Tae Hoon as his lovers. With so many fake gays in the drama, my jaw dropped when one character emerges as a real gay. When I least expected it, the respected Director Choi Do Bin (Ryoo Seung Ryong) confesses his love for Jin Ho. Some viewers may cringe at his confession, but when Chang Ryul mocks Jin Ho and the latter catches Director Choi looking at him with sad eyes, it tore me apart. This guy took a lot of courage to admit his love, but it would never be reciprocated (because Jin Ho isn’t gay). I felt sorry for Director Choi.*sniff* This scene (with Chang Ryul, Director Choi, and Gae In waiting for Jin Ho's answer) is truly an emotional moment and very memorable. It makes me think about the social stigma that gay people have to face.

Other than Director Choi’s being gay, most events are pretty predictable. The latter part gets a bit dragging. I’ve read that a lot of viewers complain about their disappointment with the last two or three episodes. I agree that they’re not as good as what the drama promises. Jin Ho is so out of character that the story becomes unconvincing. The drama obviously wants to incorporate some angst but it did it in an ungraceful way. I won’t recommend this show to men or to anyone who only wants strong plots. That said, the good and cute parts of this drama does make up for the messy parts. I still like Personal Taste as a whole. I like how it has stirred some emotions in me. A truly heartfelt drama. It’s worth to mention that the acting is really superb here. I won’t mind watching this drama again.:)

Cheerfulnuts’ Verdict:

8 out of 10 stars

City Hunter Review

City Hunter

Korean Title: 시티헌터

Genre: Action, Thriller, Romance

Year: 2011

Language: Korean

Episodes: 20

Box set available on Amazon

Synopsis:

After the Rangoon bombing that killed several South-Korean officials, five officials, known as the Council of Five, decide to get even with North Korea. Not known even to the president, they send a team of 21 men on a secret mission to assassinate North Korea’s high ranking officials. However, after the South Korean president announces that they won’t retaliate, the Council of Five is left no choice but to abandon their men. The team includes Lee Jin Pyo (Kim Sang Joong) and his best friend Park Mu Yeol (Park Sang Min) who has just borne a son. When they are about to embark on a submarine that would bring them back to South Korea, the men onboard shot them, killing everyone except Jin Pyo who is shielded by Mu Yeol. Realizing that they have been betrayed by their own country, Jin Pyo vows payback.

He returns to South Korea and steals Mu Yeol’s newborn son from Kyung Hee. He leaves for Thailand where he raises the child, Yoon Sung (Lee Min Ho), as his own. He gives Yoon Sung extensive training and tells him years later about his biological father and his plot for revenge. After studying in the US, Yoon Sung goes back to Korea with a mission and a warning on not falling in love.

He meets Kim Nana (Park Min Young), whom he develops feelings for, and Kim Yoong Ju (Lee Joon Hyuk), a prosecutor with a strong sense of justice. As he hunts down his enemies, Yoon Sung is conflicted with having to choose between heroism and revenge, and between love and his mission.

Cheerfulnuts’ Review:

City Hunter has everything in store for you. There is action, thriller, drama, and romance. The drama is well cast, with Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young as the lead characters. They are both well-known actors and the storyline is good so it makes this series a must-watch especially to K-drama fans.

The drama starts strongly and looks promising. Most Korean dramas are sprinkled with unrealistic events, and City Hunter doesn't exempt from that. That said, the plot is very well-developed. It gets better and better in each episode. The series is packed with suspense that it never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat!

I don't know much about politics. I don't even watch the news anymore. But I can relate to this drama. A lot of corruption exists not only in Korea but in most, if not all, countries around the world. So it feels really satisfying to watch City Hunter kick the asses of those corrupt officials.

There is some character development here. As the story unfolds, Lee Yoon Sung has to make some important decisions. I like that he always sticks to his principles despite his dad’s threats. I also like Kim Yoong Ju’s being righteous and upright. Although he can be annoying at times, having such a guy hunt City Hunter adds more depth to the story.

About the romance department of the show, Yoon Sung doesn't act sweet and all but I can't hate him. Having been trained as an assassin doesn't make him good with expressing his feelings. It's fun to watch how his relationship with Nana grows despite his playboy persona and his lack of social skills. He doesn't act like Gu Jun Pyo in Boys Over Flowers as he doesn't try to impress his love interest at all. He protects Nana from afar and keeps his feelings to himself, which I find really sweet.

I love that the antagonist, Lee Jin Pyo, is someone dear to our hero, which makes the story very exciting. There is no one harder to defeat than someone you love. Kim Sang Joong's portrayal of Lee Jin Pyo is amazing. He's the type of villain that you can't totally hate. Even if I don't agree with his ways (who would?), I can sympathize with him and can't help feeling bad for him. He also makes me shudder when he's one step ahead of Yoon Sung.

The series do have some flaws. As I've said, there are unrealistic events, such as having too many coincidences (e.g. the hotel room incident). Despite that, I love City Hunter. It's one of the most heart-pounding dramas that I have ever seen. With a very strong plot, great cast members, hot male lead, a creepy yet likeable villain, awesome action scenes... I couldn't ask for more! You don't have to be a K-drama fan nor a female in order to like this one.;P I highly recommend City Hunter to everyone!

Cheerfulnuts’ Verdict:

9 out of 10 stars

Boys Over Flowers Review

Boys Over Flowers Review

Alternative Title: Boys Before Flowers

Chinese Title: 花檨男子

Korean Title: 꽃보다 남자

Year: 2009

Language: Korean

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Episodes: 25

Boys Over Flowers - Korean drama (5DVD Digipak - Complete Set, 25 Episodes) All Region with English Subtitles

Synopsis:

Geum Jan Di (Ku Hye Sun) is an average girl living an ordinary life. She is happy with her life until she crosses paths with a suicidal student in Shinhwa School, an exclusive school for the rich. Since then, her life starts to change. She is offered a scholarship to Shinhwa which she reluctantly accepts. There, she meets the infamous group known as F4. She tries to avoid the group, though she develops a crush on one of its members Yoon Ji Hoo (SS501's Kim Hyun Joong). Jan Di can't stand the obnoxiousness of F4, especially its leader Gu Jun Pyo (Lee Min Ho), the heir of Shinhwa Group. When Jandi’s friend is insulted by Jun Pyo after she accidentally drops her ice cream on his shoe, Jan Di stands up for her friend. Jan Di automatically becomes the target of bullying for going against F4. Jan Di perseveres and continues to go to school, something that has never been done by anyone who becomes the target of F4. Jandi earns the group's respect, and Jun Pyo unexpectedly falls for his very nemesis.

Review:

This drama is based on the popular manga Hana Yori Dango. Boys Over Flowers isn't the first live action adaptation of this manga. The first ones are the Taiwanese version Meteor Garden and the Japanese version with the namesake of the manga. Though I haven't read the manga, I have seen and loved both drama adaptations. So when I first learned about the Korean version, I thought that it could just be another adaptation. Nevertheless, it didn't stop me from watching. I have seen a lot of Korean dramas and I believed that they wouldn't just create a carbon copy of the manga. I'm curious how they're going to make it the Korean way.

In the first few episodes, I was a bit disappointed because about 80% of it is just like Meteor Garden. Boys Over Flowers may have changed a few details and sequence of some events, but it's still quite predictable. However, it did get better and I started to think of it as an entirely separate drama (and not just another Hana Yori adaption). I got excited and anticipated episode after episode.

The first time I saw Boys Over Flowers, I was amazed by the great similarity between Lee Min Ho and Jerry Yan. Both of them made Jun Pyo/Dau Ming Si's character work. The other F4 members are pretty much what I have expected, though I think I like the Korean F4 better. However, Geum Jan Di (played by Ku Hye Sun), the lead female, is different from her two counterparts. She's very goofy and I find her acting too exaggerated. Her cartoonish actions can be a bit annoying sometimes, especially when things started to get serious. I think she has to loosen up a bit and stop being too cartoonish so the viewers can connect with her. Granted, I still sympathize with her when her classmates bully her. Honestly, who wouldn't feel bad for a girl who's mobbed with eggs in school?

I don't know if everyone would agree with me, but I think Lee Min Ho fits perfectly into this handsome but cocky Gu Jun Pyo character. Jun Pyo is the only heir to the great Shinhwa Group. He is practically every girl's dream. Yes, he is a jerk, but his extremely good looks and his fortune make it almost impossible for girls not to swoon over him.

In real life, I would probably dislike Jun Pyo. But everything is different in dramaland. I just love seeing this seemingly callous guy fall head over heels in love with an average girl who hates him. He seems to be a god, but being in love makes him look human for the first time. You get to see how weak and lonely he actually is. I love seeing lots of character development, and this is what I like about this drama. So yeah, the meaner the character, the more interesting it gets as I couldn't wait to see how he'd change into a better person (as if I haven't watched to other versions LOL).

Boys Over Flowers is very pleasant to watch. And I'm not just referring to the good-looking boys. The places are very pretty to look at. I enjoy the scenes in Macau the most.

Despite what I have said about Jan Di, her character started to grow on me. As I have wished, Ku Hye Sun's acting got more serious and looks more natural after a few episodes of goofiness. Though Jun Pyo-Jan Di isn't the strongest couple in dramaland, I still think they look cute together. They don't really have to look perfect together since they practically belong in two different worlds. Speaking of looking good together, I love the pair up of So Yi Jung and Chu Ga Eul. Unlike in other versions, their story is much more developed here. I find myself anticipating for them in each episode!

In the first few episodes, I didn't like Yoon Ji Hoo, Jun Pyo's friend and rival. He did a lot of things that I don't understand. I wasn't convinced with his character and I didn't understand him at all. But I admit that I fell in love with his character in Macau! I like the fact that Boys Over Flowers has made Ji Hoo's love for Jan Di much more obvious. I guess his love explains why he did all those stuff in the earlier episodes.

Another thing that is worth mentioning is Jun Pyo's mom Kang Hee Soo (played by Lee Hye Young). I read a lot of people saying how scary she looks. She is. Her glare can really pierce right through you, and it's terrifying. I like how BOF made her much scarier though. I think this is one aspect that is lacking in the other versions. I like how the drama has shown more on the scarred relationship between the Gu children and their mother and how it made her more evil yet more human.

Okay, so this drama may not be everyone's cup of tea. But if you love Cinderalla-like stories, this drama is worth watching. If you're a hardcore fan of Hana Yori Dango and have watched the other adaptations, you shouldn't miss this one too. I'm not sure if this is the best Hana Yori Dango adaptation, but I like it because they have shown so much emotion in it, just like a Korean drama should be. Plus, the boys are really hot.:)

Cheerfulnuts’ Verdict:

9 out of 10 stars

Heartstrings Review

photos from koreandrama.org
edited by cheerfulnuts

Heartstrings is a 2011 Korean romantic-comedy drama directed by Pyo Min Soo, most notable for his award-winning drama Full House. The lead character, Lee Gyu Won, is played by Park Shin Hye who became famous for her Mi Nam in You’re Beautiful. The leading man, on the other hand, is played by CN Blue’s lead vocalist Jung Yong Hwa. It is his first leading role. The supporting roles are performed by Song Chang Ui (Kim Seok Hyun), So Yi Hyun (Jung Yoon Su), CN Blue’s drummer Kang Min Hyuk (Yeo Jun Hee), Lee Hyun Jin (Hyun Gi Young), and Woo Ri (Han Hee Joo).

Heartstrings

Korean Title: 넌 내게 반했어

Alternative Titles: You’ve Fallen for Me, Festival, You’re into Me

Chinese Title: 你為我著迷
15 episodes, 1 special

Genre: romantic comedy, drama

Telecast: 2011

Synopsis:

Lee Gyu Won is the sole granddaughter of Lee Dong Gun, a famous Traditional musician in Korea. To follow her grandfather’s footsteps (and as her grandfather wishes), Gyu Won majors in Traditional Music and practices her gayageum everyday. She meets Lee Shin, a major in Applied Music who plays in the band “The Stupid”. Because of their differences, Gyu Won and Shin loathe each other.

Kim Seok Hyun, an alumnus to Gyu Won’s university, arrives from the United States to direct the school’s 100^th year anniversary musical. He is forced to work with his ex-girlfriend Jung Yoon Su, a former ballerina who is now a professor in school. He has his special eye for Gyu Won after hearing her sing at a local bar. He wants her to become the lead actress of the musical. However, Han Hee Joo , the school president’s daughter, is eyeing for the role. She and her mother will do anything to make sure Gyu Won doesn’t steal the spotlight.

Gyu Won becomes a slave to Shin after losing in a contest. She runs errands for Shin – from buying him a cup of cappuccino everyday to cleaning The Stupid’s practice room. As they see each other more often, Gyu Won unknowingly falls for Shin, and Shin becomes less hostile towards her. However, when Gyu Won finds out about his long-time affection for Professor Yoon Su, she tries to convince Shin to stop pursuing the professor. This angers Shin and their “friendship” is once again strained.

Despite the tension between Gyu Won and Shin, the anniversary musical puts them together. Shin is assigned to compose the ending song for the musical. He needs to incorporate some traditional music into the song. Not knowing much about traditional music, he needs a little help from an expert – Gyu Won.

As they work more closely together, Shin, unknowingly, starts to fall for Gyu Won, too.

Cheerfulnuts' Review:

Knowing that Heartstrings falls under the romantic-comedy category, I didn’t expect much from this drama. Heartstrings caters to a younger audience. Still, the first few scenes (shot in Jeju Island) captivated my attention. It may sound cliché, but beautiful scenery plus some good looking actors seem to be the perfect ingredient to a great drama.

The story is set mainly in school, which makes me reminisce about my own school days flashback to many years ago. I’m not a Korean, but Heartstrings gives me an “at home” feeling. Actually, most school dramas make me feel nostalgic.

The first few episodes are just okay. After watching for several hours, I couldn’t seem to grasp the gist of the story. There were too many characters all at once. Lee Shin is a real jerk at the beginning of the drama. I think having a jerk lead male is a trend in romantic-comedies. As I watched Shin being mean to Gyu Won, I couldn’t wait to see how he’d fall for her. I wished he would have a hard time pursuing her haha.

Episodes 7 to 9, in my opinion, is the best part. In the entire 15 episodes, these are the parts that I would love to watch over and over again. The awkward transition from being an enemy to a lover is very interesting to watch. When Shin realizes his growing affection for Gyu Won, he doesn’t know how to show it to her. The subtleties of his actions – the stares, the secret smiles, and the hidden meaning beneath his words – made me swoon.

Heartstrings is about music, so expect a lot of singing and dancing here. This is great especially if you love the songs. CN Blue fans will surely appreciate it. Since it was Jung Yong Hwa’s first leading role, his acting is just so-so (though he had improved a lot throughout the series). I think the music had helped a lot in setting the mood right. I also found myself swooning every time Yong Hwa sings. I’m not familiar with CN Blue, so it was really a pleasant surprise to see the drummer Kang Min Hyuk sing in the drama. What a transformation it was when he sings - from being a silly and clumsy Jun Hee to a cute rockstar!

Having a young couple as the main characters makes this drama very “sweet” and somewhat “innocent”.  The plot is underdeveloped though. I like the characters, but they aren’t that special. The presentation of the story is a bit confusing. Moreover, random things happen just to have an “excuse” for more drama. You see them crying and you wonder, is this really necessary? The dialogues are not that strong either. Nevertheless, I find Heartstrings very entertaining to watch.

My conclusion is: Heartstrings is not for everyone. If you’re looking for an excellent story that will make you think hard, don’t watch this. But if you enjoy a light romantic comedy or if you want to feel in love, Heartstrings may be your cup of tea.


Cheerfulnuts' Verdict:

6 out of 10 stars