An Entertaining Action Thriller with a Historical Edge

Probably the most anticipated sequel in 2024, “Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty II To the West” hits the right note right off the bat!

For those who are revisiting this show because of the “Su Wuming & Lu Lingfeng” dynamics, be prepared. The bromance is as thick as the prequel and the hijinks are epic. Demoted by the royal court, our heroic duo are sent off to faraway lands. That doesn’t mean, the show doesn’t pick off from where it ended in the prequel; the Princess Royal aka Lingfeng’s mother is still scheming and acting power hungry while the erstwhile Crown Prince (now the Emperor) is fighting his own aunt for the throne. Poor Lingfeng is caught unaware between these two idiots and Su Wuming sacrifices his ambitions to save his bestie from being unfairly executed (because the Emperor now knows that LingFeng is the Princess’ son). While power grab is ensuing theme in this show, the focus quickly shifts to solving cases as the arch bends and twists to give ample opportunities to our detectives. I have vested interests in this show, so let’s start reviewing!

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/07/strange-tales-of-tang-dynasty-ii-to-the-west-first-impressions/

Leia Mais

Stubborn Cinderalla+Prince Charming= Entertaining

Wanting to breakup is your freedom, but wanting to cling to you is mine!

Coupang Play’s latest romcom “Cinderella at 2 AM” offers a realistic Cinderella at tenterhooks, trying to breakup with her Prince Charming. The catch being that the said Prince Charming is hellbent on clinging to her. A modern take on the old classic, the show stars Shin Hyun Been (Ha Yun Seo) as the nonchalant Cinderella, who would rather take money and breakup with her rich boyfriend, than pursue a hard hitting relationship. Moon Sang Min (Seo Ju Won) plays her dreamy boyfriend, who by all means will remind you of the kind, caring Prince Charming, the kind that exist only in fairytales. The pilot episodes set the stage for the ensuing battle of wits and longing between our main protagonists. Their love for each other is pretty obvious (even though, Ha Yun Seo would state otherwise). The age-gap is also apparent, which makes this romance wildly exciting. The main couple are so sweet, and yet they are waging a war, which is going nowhere. The hysterics will keep you entertained though!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/26/cinderella-at-2-am-first-impressions/#more-1146

Leia Mais

A Fantasty Thriller with abundant Bromance

Two things seem to be trending these days on the IQIYI platform- wuxia dramas & Zhang Linghe. Following the huge success of his recently ended romance “My Journey to You”, Zhang Linghe is back in the forte with his new mystery thriller “Tiger and Crane”. Definitely another anticipated release this year, fans have been eagerly awaiting the premiere of this show for almost a year. Starring a ginormous cast that includes Jiang Long, Zhang Ling He, Wang Yu Wen, Chen You Wei, Ye Qing, He Lan Dou in lead roles, the drama hinges on the strong bromance between Jiang Long & Zhang Ling He. For those who are still waiting for updates on Zhang Ling He’s BL adaptation “Eternal Faith”, this show can be a consolation of sorts. Set in a fantastical universe where demonologists exist, the show paints a dainty image of the ongoing war between sorcerers and demons. Adapted from Huang Xiaoda’s novel of the same and helmed by popular director, Guo Hu; the drama promises an intriguing battle of wits, power struggles and sorcery.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/05/tiger-and-crane-first-impressions/#more-185

Leia Mais

Not Exactly The Strongest Comeback

The 2017 classic “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” was a sleeper hit simply because of the fantastic chemistry between the main leads Park Bo Young & Park Hyung Sik. It’s quite difficult to come across stories where a female lead and her superpowers are glorified. This edgy fantasy element became the reason for the show’s success. As such, I wasn’t admittedly excited about the new reboot. It may be attributed to the entirely new cast that has no connections to the characters in the prequel. “Strong Girl Namsoon” finally premiered last week. The million dollar question that piques our attention is this- Is the spin-off as well as the prequel? I will answer this question as we analyze the first two episodes and dig deeper into the storyline.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/09/strong-girl-namsoon-first-impressions/

Leia Mais

A Small Town Romance With Quirky Characters

JTBC’s latest offering “Welcome to Samdalri” is a decades long saga of friendship, lost love and reconciliation. Starring Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun in the lead roles of Cho Yong Pil & Cho Sam Dal/Cho Eun Hye, the show transverses their journey as they reconnect after eight years of separation. The first thing that I noticed about this show is the scenic beauty. Shot in the backdrop of the beautiful Jeju island, the show banks on the small town life and its busy yet nosy neighborhood. Set in Samdalri (which is native to both Cho Yong Pil & Cho Sam Dal), the drama focuses on their reconciliation as Sam-dal returns to her hometown when her career plummets and she is at her wit’s end. The pilot episodes were pretty decent at introducing the individual characters and their current lives while keeping their past shredded in mystery. There is a lot going on in the backdrop that we are unaware of and these invisible issues have been adversely affecting their relationship for almost a decade. Let’s sit down and dissect the finer details relative to this small town romance!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/12/05/welcome-to-samdalri-first-impressions/

Leia Mais

An Entertaining Ride, Don't Miss It!!

We all have that one annoying friend, whom we want to beat up, and yet they are the ones who understand us the most!

“Love Next Door” is nostalgic, I was reminded of my childhood friends as I watched the first two episodes. Starring Jung Hae In, Jung So Min, Kim Ji Eun, Yun Ji On in lead roles, the drama showcases strong bonds of friendship, as our main leads navigate the complexities of their present lives. Humor has a strong foothold in this show, I wasn’t expecting it to be so hilarious and heartwarming. The dulcet tones coupled with the warm vibes between the leads gives a flavorful taste to this romcom. And I’m not just talking about the friendship between the younger generation; the show also banks on the friendships between the older generation. They are competitive, arrogant and yet, they have always stood beside each other while supporting their children’s dreams. Their seemingly perfect lives takes a nosedive when our female lead, Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So Min) returns home after quitting her high power job abroad and canceling her engagement. Her mother is appropriately horrified while childhood friend, Choi Seung Hyo (Jung Hae In) is terrified. Circumstantial evidence points to the fact that Seok Ryu has always been a terrifying presence in Seung Hyo’s life and yet against all odds, he stands beside her as she begins her new innings in life. But where does this new innings lead to?

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/19/love-next-door-first-impressions/#more-1138

Leia Mais

Thrilling and Exciting, Watch it!!!

Two veteran actors paired opposite two raising stars defines this crime thriller!

Starring Son Hyun Joo, Kim Myung Min, Kim Do Hoon & Heo Nam Jun in lead roles, the show is centered on father-son dynamics, one seeking revenge while the other seek redemption. While Son Hyun Joo & Kim Myung Min step into the roles of fathers, their intentions are pretty opposite. Kim Myung Min portrays a father grieving his dead son while Son Hyun Joo is an aggrieved father, trying to save his son. Kim Do Hoon plays the accused in this quadrangle, while Heo Nam Jun plays Kim Myung Min’s son Kim Sang Hyuk who is seeking revenge for his dead brother. This story is being remade for the third time and I don’t know the specifics of the American or Israeli version. But the Korean version is fast paced, the initial impression keep you on your toes as we rapidly introduced to the characters. In a blink of the eye, one of the characters is dead and his death sets into motion a chain of events that forms the crux of this storyline.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/15/your-honor-first-impressions/#more-1113

Leia Mais

A Breezy Time Travel Romance

Time travel romances seem to be in trend and joining the foray is tvN’s latest offering “Twinkling Watermelon”. If you are wondering about the title (as I’m), maybe it is a mere connotation to the storyline which sparkles with youthfulness and has varied tones of friendship/love. Starring Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook, Seol In Ah, Shin Eun Soo in the lead roles, the drama premiered to high expectations and certainly it was worth the hype. The first two episodes set up the premise decently while introducing intriguing characters as well as the time travel element which pops up randomly. The storytelling is little out of place and at times without context (when they randomly switch between two timeframes), but the chemistry between the characters is reckoning and it manages to tide over those discrepancies. For now, I’m invested in this drama simply because the storyline is interesting and I’m hoping for some solid character development in the future episodes.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/twinkling-watermelon-first-impressions/

Leia Mais

A Historical With A Funny Tone

Rowoon (“Destined with You”) is back onscreen with his next romcom, which happens to be a historical. Starring alongside Cho Yi Hyun, “The Matchmakers” is about two widowers, Shim Jung Woo & Jung Soon Deok, who are pressured by the royal family into marrying three maidens representing the spinster problem in the Joseon dynasty. Both of them have varied personalities, with Jung Soon Deok leading a double life that is closely guarded. The drama relies a lot on the customs and traditions that tied down widows in ancient Joseon. Now, widowers weren’t specifically affected, but Shim Jung Woo suffers because he has a special identity. You can’t question the absurdity of their situations because we are talking about times that were orthodox and fanatical. The first two episodes do a good job of introducing the main characters, as we get a glimpse into their lives. Soon Deok leads an exciting, satisfying one while Jung Wook’s is dull and unfulfilling.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/the-matchmakers-first-impressions/

Leia Mais

An Entertaining Couple Who Bicker Endlessly

Give me a historical romance with lots of political maneuvering and I’m seated for the drama!

Starring Zhao Jin Mai & Zhang Ling He in lead roles, the first thing that catches your attention is the domesticated vibes between the main couple. “The Princess Royal” though a political melodrama is essentially a recurring love story between a couple, who died, were revived in their young selves and still choose to marry each other again; no matter the consequences. Their choices might seem questionable because they spend 20 years outwitting each other; but they are allies first, enemies later. There is comfort in their relationship which stems from spending decades together, even if they were in an antagonistic relationship. Both actors excel in their portrayals, the storyline does seem to drag in some places, but they quickly pull through by inserting a new ploy and chaos ensues. Our married couple are tasked with the job of maintaining peace with minimal damage possible. Let’s get to know them better before we form our opinions!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/16/the-princess-royal-first-impressions/#more-1037

Leia Mais

Impressionable With Mystique & Intrigue

The latest entrant on JTBC’s mid-week block, Destined With You, has a lot to offer. With a stellar casting that includes big names like Jo Bo Ah, Rowoon, Ha Joon, Yura; the drama premiered to high ratings on Netflix. I have been closely keep a tab on JTBC’s official accounts, since the day this drama was announced. It has got nothing to do with my thirst for fantasy dramas, and everything to do with the fact that this show has both of my favorite stars. I’m a huge, huge fan of Jo Bo Ah and she is nothing short of adorable here. Following close on her heels is our handsome hunk, Rowoon, whose character has streaks of mystique and intrigue. The first two episodes do a decent job of setting the storyline, which is gripping and exciting. There is a lot happening in the pilot episodes; shamanism plays a pivotal role in this fantasy and the show is as riveting as the trailer that promises a love story that spans over 300 years.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/08/26/destined-with-you-first-impressions/#more-91

Leia Mais

An Interesting Watch With Riveting Characters

I just got done with watching Jang Na Ra in “My Happy Ending” and she is back with a sismance!

Playing complicated characters is Jang Na Ra’s forte, it could be “Sell Your Haunted House”, “My Happy Ending” or the currently on-air “Good Partner”. She commands a presence that outdoes her co-stars performance. So, I instantly jumped on the “Good Partner” bandwagon when I read that she will be paired opposite Nam Ji Hyun, another phenomenal actress. Playing into each other’s strengths, the actresses are portraying nuanced characters that are intriguing yet contrast. While Jang Na Ra (Cha Eun Kyung) plays a seasoned lawyer hellbent on winning, Nam Ji Hyun (Han Yoo Ri) is a rookie lawyer learning the ropes. Obviously their base values are invariably different, so clashes are inevitable. They are both settling into roles which are cathartic yet analytical; you can’t decide whom to love or criticize!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/14/good-partner-first-impressions/#more-1025

Leia Mais

A Reincarnation Saga with Fantasy Element

Adapted from the webtoon “The Moon that Rises in the Day” (낮에 뜨는 달) by Hye Yoom (헤윰), ENA’s new drama “Moon in the Day” is a heartbreaking, remorseful romance that transcends over centuries. Starring Pyo Ye Jin and Kim Young Dae in lead roles, the storyline depicts the story of a vengeful spirit seeking retribution for his wrongful death. The main actors portray two different characters, from variant timelines. It has been an eventful week with quite a few new premieres like “Castaway Diva”, “Perfect Revenge Marriage” and “The Matchmakers”. Certainly, the show has a tall order to compete with when compared to those recent releases. What works in its favor is the rustic chemistry between the main actors. The script is slightly odd paced, but that doesn’t take away the fact that the characters are intriguing and their backstory is equally riveting. We are given glimpses of their past lives as the first two episodes concentrate on the character’s present lives. As unlike as they are, Kang Young Hwa and Han Jun Oh aren’t peas in the same pod. Let’s dive into this narrative and learn more about them!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/03/moon-in-the-day-first-impressions/

Leia Mais

Gangnam Style Crime Thriller

Set in the crime-ridden streets of Gangnam in the 1990s, “The Worst of Evil” promised power packed performances by its stellar casting which includes popular names like Ji Chang Wook, Wi Ha Joon, Im Se Mi. Probably one of the most anticipated releases this year, the show premiered to high expectations and the succinct storytelling is definitely worth the wait. With a three episode premiere and three episodes finale, the show will release two episodes henceforth. Starring Ji Chang Wook as local policeman Park Junmo, Wi Ha Joon as gang leader Jung Gicheul and I’m Se Mi as security officer Yu Euijeong, “The Worst of Evil” is a complicated love triangle set in the midst of a sprawling crime syndicate. Directed by Han Dong Wook, Park Geun Beom and written by Jang Min Seok, the compelling cinematography is resplendent of the 1990s era, which renders a melancholic feel to the melodrama transpiring on screen. The first three episodes do a decent job of introducing the characters and setting the stage for future confrontations. This show isn’t for the fainthearted and it depicts explicit violent scenes (so, drop it if you can’t stand watching fight scenes every 10 minutes, because that seems to be the norm for this show).

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/29/the-worst-of-evil-first-impressions/

Leia Mais

A Typical Family Melodrama With Interesting Characters

What happens when the good-for-nothing husband you kicked out, comes back as the rich owner of the apartment where you are renting a house?

This question pretty much sums up the plotline of this new JTBC weekend melodrama. Starring Ji Jin Hee, Kim Jee Soo, Son Na Eun, Choi Min Ho, Yoon San Ha as main leads, it is a typical family drama coupled with a slight thriller element. We have a poor family unit trying to make ends meet, the father has been absent for a long time. Suddenly, one day their landlord dies in a fire accident and their apartment is quickly bought out. Shock and behold, the new owner turns out to be the father whom they believed was dead. There is a love-hate relationship involved, while the said father tries to mend the bridge and reunite with his family. The first two episodes were a feast, they set the tone right for the ensuing battle between the family members, the dynamics are pretty screwed; mostly between the father, Byeon Mu Jin & daughter, Byeon Mi Rae who is strongly against the notion of their parents reuniting. Add the twist of the murder mystery surrounding the past owner’s untimely demise, and we have exciting times!

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/08/12/romance-in-the-house-first-impressions/

Leia Mais