Black Dog

Black Dog did a great job tackling and depicting the working of the school system without over-exaggerating them. The drama showed the many problems facing the South Korean education system and did a great job setting up the social context of the profession, especially from the perspective of beginning teachers. It tackled everything from nepotism, to temp workers social stigma, to teacher/student discrimination (top students vs. average), and the cutthroat and competitive atmosphere between teachers who do not always work for the students but rather to better themselves. It even addressed the fact that a school is really an organization and a rigid one at it but that there will always be people such as Go Ha Neul and the College Advisory Department who are willing to take that extra step to change the status quo.

All the actors did a wonderful job -- but especially our College Advisory Department We got to see Go Ha Neul (Seo Hyun Jin) try to break down and tackle that rigidness and succeeding in making a dent including witnessing her journey from a beginner teacher to her growth not just as a teacher but as a person who impacted the lives of students and teachers alike, making them better people (students) and teachers. All with the help and direction of Park Sung Soon (Ra Mi Ran), the head of the career counseling department at the school, Do Yeon Woo (Ha Joon), a Korean language teacher, and Bae Myung Soo (Lee Chang Hoon), the Biology teacher -- all of whom impacted each others' lives in ways they never expected.

In the end, the real message of the story was to never give up and as hard as change maybe it is not impossible. As the saying goes you can't build an adaptable organization without adaptable people--and individuals change only when they have to, or when they want to. Beautifully done, sorry to see it end. I will miss it and highly recommend it.

Leia Mais

Stranger 2 : adequately fulfilling on it's journey to Stranger 3

Finally, it is all I could think at the start of Stranger 2, three years later, and it was captivating as I expected it to be, worthy of the over three-year wait. Having Lee Chang Joon's voiceover to start the episode was just brilliant. A reminder that the road to justice is long and rife with political tension. And, of course, where there is a crime to be solved, there is Hwang Shi Mok. I loved it. I always enjoy how he meticulously observes, sizes up a situation before questioning or jumping to conclusions. It was also thrilling to see Bae Doo Na reprise her role as Han Yeo Jin, love her with long hair, and Detective Jang. I love seeing them all at work; they click intuitively.

It's always great to see a woman in roles typically given to men and Jeon Hye Jin at that. I couldn't wait to see what she brought to the show as the police and ever-powerful prosecution office fought over independent investigative authority. I've always thought it quite weird how the prosecution had sole jurisdiction. So, I was interested to see how the fight would go down and how it would affect Shi Mok and Yeo Jin's fight against injustice. I am always ready when it comes to these two. And of course, Stranger 2 did not disappoint in how it tackled all the issues it presented, from coverups to police and prosecution corruptions to the embedded unscrupulous accepted and worse expected societal norms that hurt more than they help in junior/senior to rich/poor treatments and relationships. And I think what I find hardest to reconcile since I started watching k-dramas is that exactly -- the disappointments in the embedded unscrupulous accepted societal norms.

I loved the many twists and turned in this second installment but, more so, how differently the whole team handled the second season. I was glad to see that it was not a sequence of the first but rather a continued effort to justice's long and politically charged journey. And to see that journey can to an emotional ending as it hopefully continues to its next chapter to an incredibly penned, directed, acted, edited, and produced drama. The beginning and ending words of Lee Chang Joon sum season 2, SM and YJ, entirely—“Doggedly chasing after the truth and marching towards what’s right is a never-ending process. To stop for a moment is to fail. Marching towards change is like having two needles on your feet, with an invisible thread trailing after you, never stopping for breath as you march on. In the belief that a sliver of hope is better than immeasurable despair, we move forward with every determination once again.” This drama called attention to how arrogance, ignorance, and incompetence can, in mere seconds, bring down one’s life work (Chief Choi and Prosecutor Tae Woo). But at the same time, it showed us that one should never give up hope; it’s the light to a better and more fulfilled future for all involved. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” —Desmund Tutu.

As sad as I was as excited for how it started and ended—strong and proud. I especially revered Chief Prosecutor Kang Won Cheol for standing tall for what matters most and putting his juniors before himself; that’s a mark of a true leader. As they say, it’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform. Chief Kang’s last act was a reminder that it’s easy even for the best of us to be swayed and lose our way, but the courage is in acknowledging it and getting back on track. It takes a lot of courage to do what he did. LYJ Hanjo’s leader’s reaction to his resignation said it all. She underestimated him for sure, and his final words struck her worse than if she’d been hit by one of those kdrama white trucks of doom. Undoubtedly one of the best crime dramas ever, now and forever. Solid character arcs, acting, development, and portrayals, even SDJ’s character. I cannot wait for season three, finishing what Lee Chang Joon started with a takedown of Hanjo Group. Shi Mok's dream at the finale for me captured everything Stranger 1 and 2 stand for— Hope. I will miss this drama until its next installment and highly recommend both seasons if you haven't watched them yet. Not one disappointing episode.

Leia Mais

Only 4 episodes in and I am hooked and do not understand why I have to wait a whole week to watch more ... Ji Sung is my all time favorite actor and I am sooooooooooooooo happy to see him back on the screen. Love it -- amazing story line, acting, directly, music -- cast, just all around looking to be a really good show. “Doctor John” Korean drama story revolves around doctor Cha Yo Han’s (Ji Sung) journey towards discovering the reason behind patients mysterious pain. He is also popular by the name “10 seconds” because he can render a diagnosis in 10 seconds. Kang Shi-young (Lee Se Young) is an Anesthesia doctor. She was a top student at medical school which is often credited to her mother who is also a doctor, had a traumatic event happen to her to kept her away from practicing until she meets Cha Yo Han.

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Endearing First Episode

I am so excited to see Lee Kyu Han back on the small screen; how I wish he had a major role, but I love him nonetheless. He blew me away as the tormented Mo Wan Soo in Graceful Family (now that drama was good). I really enjoyed Won Jin Ah in Life and Just Between Lovers and as such, look forward to seeing what she and Ro Woon (I already like him as I'm not as familiar with his work) bring to She Would Never Know, but I won't lie I'm in this for Lee Kyu Han. However, I do like that Hyun Seung doesn't shy from his attraction to Yoon Song Ah and goes for what he wants, a relationship with her. His direct approach is what endears me to him. It also helps that the drama is directed by the same director for Fated to Love You, one of my favorite dramas. I am looking forward to the journey indeed.

Leia Mais

Compelling Drama

First off, let me say it was good to have Lee Min-Ki back on the small screen; he was missed. Secondly, what a first episode.. boy is this show going to be good... it starts so simply, a random woman falling to her death, seemed like suicide... a detective fed up with city life and looking to move back to the country to be with his mom only to find himself involved in a twisted case where a father and son in law are both dead five days apart ... what looked like a simple accident spiraled quickly into murder with the possible culprit (son in law) very much involved but also dead. As events unfolded, one gets a hint to the fact that not all is well with the JQ Group (son-in-law family), and the assemblyman's death is looked upon as a problem that took care of itself .. like what. I understand trying to eliminate a problem like the assemblyman who seemed to oppose JQ but how about their own son... was he killed because he found out they took out his girlfriend, and why was she killed; was it just for being in a relationship with a JQ son, its these types of questions that the drama raises that made it even more compelling to watch, with so much to reveal and find out. I enjoyed finding out alongside Lee Min-Ki and the rest of the cast -- one twist after another, a drama worthy of the watch indeed.

Leia Mais

beautiful cinematography and scenery

This is just a review based on the first episode. I must say, I am immediately struck by how beautiful the cinematography and scenery are – just breathtaking. I missed Im Soo Hyang since her fantastic portrayal of Su Ki (she will forever be that in my head), so I am glad to have her here and look forward to seeing a different side to acting. My main reason for watching this is Ji Soo, although I’ve watched him in other dramas, I cannot say I noticed him (shame on me), but something about him in the trailer caught my attention, and I cannot wait to see what he brings to his role as Seo Hwan. I am also excited to see Ha Seok Jin (he has the best smile) back, I loved him in 1% of Something and know how skilled he is at his craft. That said, the unfortunate thing about unrequited love is that it’s an infinite curse of a lonely heart. I just hope it doesn't take a drastic turn to relieve that curse

Leia Mais

Love it

I already love this drama. It melds the perfect balance of eeriness, mystery, and humor. And, oh, my Lee Dong Wook, he’s breathtakingly good looking in this jarringly well-done drama. Be it real or not, the little girl was impressive; the way she handled those imposters, I doubt I would’ve had her courage. The fight scenes are so well choreographed it’s beautiful to watch. The sword scene reminded me of Pop up Mystic Bar.

I like Jo Bo Ah as Ji Ah (I bet she’s the resurrected one); she has grit, and to top it off, she is smart. I’m also glad to see Hwang Hee again after Doctor John. I enjoy him a lot. What can I say about Kim Bum; he'ss so handsome and mischievous. He seems to be holding a grudge of some kind, and I cannot wait to find out everybody's story and what connects them. Everything about this drama is fun; I laughed out loud at the afterlife and undocumented spirit signage. But the best part is that the dialogue and acting are top-notch. I am hooked.

Leia Mais

Present vs. Past -- good first outing

I like Times' concept of a reporter with a president for a father. For as long as I can remember, people have said politics has no relation to morals. Still, I think Seo Jung In's father ( Kim Yeong Cheol) may have been the last honest politician. But that's not all that Times' about; it's more about the desperate need of a daughter played by Lee Joo Young to save her father's life, which leads to the uncovering truths that shake her and the country. In that sense, I completely understand why, when presented with the opportunity to turn back time, save her father, and reveal the truth, she jumped at it regardless of time and space. Who among us given that opportunity wouldn't take it.

There's always a reverence to watching time-crossing/travel dramas; if not done right, they can be downright confusing, and most of such dramas except for maybe Signal and Karios as time-crossers and Train as time-traveling have fallen in that pit. It's too early to pass judgment on Times as of yet, but I will say I was a bit confused halfway through the first episode as it wasn't clear to me whether the female lead was suddenly transported to the future or if the first half was a flashback from the past. That said, I liked Times' first outing, and I am interested in seeing how Lee Seo Jin plays into things but more so how the show will work the time-crossing element compared to the dramas I noted.

Leia Mais

Hello, Me!

I like that Hello, Me! is simple, funny, and fun all in one. One can never go wrong with Choi Kang Hee in a fantasy rom-com drama. I enjoy her narrating in her head what she wouldn't dare say out loud. It works so well. But what works more is that she's opposite Kim Young Kwang in the drama; I had forgotten how tall he is. He plays the spoiled, bratty 30-year-old who's never worked a day in his life rather well. The drama is off to a fun start. Despite reading the synopsis, I hadn't realized Ji Seung Hyun would have a part in this drama; what a pleasant surprise. However, I did know Eum Moon Suk would, and boy, am I loving him and his knack for the grandiose; it suits him perfectly. He had me smiling from ear to ear. And how about Jang Ki Yong and Lee Soo Hyuk's cameo, and in the first episode, nonetheless. That was a treat.

Leia Mais

Ageless Kwon Sang Woo

It is so good to have the ageless Kwon Sang Woo back in a crime/law/justice investigative drama; I love him in these types of roles. He’s another example of an amazingly versatile actor able to seamlessly deliver terrific performances balancing acts that’ll make you think while laughing yourself silly. Coupled with the prolific Bae Sung Woo, Delayed Justice promises to have no shortage of visual gags and running jokes while at the same time fighting for judicial victims falsely accused. I look forward to an enjoyable ride, along with so many tremendously great actors.

Leia Mais

Powerful

Powerful opener. I've always been intrigued by the concept of time travel; I knew I was going to watch this drama even though I didn't know what to expect. But I saw the opening scene with the flying ships/drones, outfits, and I knew I was wholly and utterly in even before the start of the dialogue -- outstanding directing. The pace is just right, the acting, the storytelling -- just brilliant all around. I felt like I was watching an American movie rather than a drama. I didn't realize how much I had missed Kim Hee Sun until now; I loved her in Faith. Kwak Shi Yang looks excellent as well. But Park Jin Gyum stands out the most, it's only the first episode, but he's stellar. Finally, I wanted to mention how impressed I am with child actress Kim Ji Yoo, and actor Moon Woo Jin, future stars in the making. This is one of those shows you know from the first episode you're hooked.

Leia Mais

Lee Min Ki and Nana -- First Episode

I'm savoring Oh, Master; I know it has another name, but I'm going to stick with this one. It's great to have Lee Min-Ki back on screen in another prickly yet fun character. I enjoy his quirkiness. And, of course, it's always good having the lovely Nana on screen. I completely enjoyed her in Into the Ring. It's cool that she and Park Sung-Hoon have dramas on at the same time.

I wondered how Oh Joo In ends up being the landlord when it's Han Bi Soo's home, but now that I've watched the first episode, I understood. Even though I understood why his mom did it, I still couldn't believe she sold the house from right under his nose and not all that; she packed everything and had someone else move-in. He had every right to be livid. I would've felt the same.

I enjoyed everything about this first episode except, of course, for Han Bi Soo's father. What a coward of a man and a bully of a father at that. As they say, any man can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad. That said, I like the temperament of the story, it feels easygoing and pleasant, and I can see this drama will be my happy place—a good reprieve to the other somewhat dark dramas I'm watching right now. I look forward to tomorrow's episode.

Leia Mais

Revenge is a dish best served cold or in this case sizzling hot

I started this drama because I liked the trailer and premise of it and more so because I'm interested in seeing Yoon So Yi in a new drama and Yoon Hyun Min, of course. That said, I'm not sure how I feel about him as Cha Min Joon, a lawyer, who defends the rich despite their guilt, or even the man who feels guilty and compensates their victims with his own money for it. But seeing him at Hae Ra's book signing deepened my curiosity for him. There has to be a story there.

The moment I saw Kim Hyun Sung at the train station, he gave me bad vibes. I knew he was staged and most likely by Hae Ra's husband. A coward of a man who uses his fists rather than his words, and as they say, violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. So, as I watched, I found myself thinking there didn't seem to be anything special about this revenge plot until I saw Yoon So Yi at the agency (I am already in love with her role in this) as the plotter, I found myself getting excited. There's an absolute satisfaction in watching the filthy rich and their equally amoral pawns get hoisted by the very people they dismiss as good for nothing. It's so wholly appealing; I'm all in with this drama, at least for now.

Leia Mais