Kmuse's End of Year Countdown - Couples Edition

This is going to be super quick since I am falling behind and the end of the year is already upon us.  As it is, my best kdramas of 2014 will be my first post of the new year.  So without further ado, here are my favorite couples of 2014 - The abridged version.

Kmuse Top 5 (plus 2) Kdrama Countdown - Favorite Kdrama Drinking Moments

I would first like to thank everyone who has sent me suggestions on what topics I should cover in my Top 5 countdowns!  It has really gotten me excited to work with this segment as well as given me a lot of future ideas.  If you also would like to let us know what Top 5 you would like to see featured in our blog, be sure to leave it in the comments or send us a quick message on our FB page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-crazy-ahjummas/336988683021748?fref=ts).  As I was going through the hundreds of dramas that I have watched trying to pick my favorite drunken kdrama moments, I realized that I might have more than just 5 so you get a few extra bonus moment of hilarious imbibement as a thank you for following our blog.  If there is a top moment that you think I missed be sure to let us know!

#5 Don't Drink and Date- My Secret Hotel

Number five on the list is from the newest show on our recap list (be sure to check it & our recaps out) My Secret Hotel.  Who knew that Yoo In Na could play such a likable drunk.  Her character Sang Hyo goes into despair when she is forced to plan her ex husbands wedding, which leads to a couple drinks, which in turn leads to her flopped on the floor of the hotel, proposing to her boss.  That is one way to get noticed by your hottie boss.

#4 Drink til you are Drunk and Then Some - History of A Salaryman

Next we have a scene from one of my all time favorite dramas "History of a Salaryman".   It is always on the top of my recommend list and one of the most underrated dramas out there.  Bratty chaebol heiress Yeo Chi challenges a local mob boss (and two of her coworkers) to a drink off with the last one standing (or not throwing up) winning a boon of their choice.  Yeo Chi manages to drink everyone under the table and still be sober enough to trick her crush into taking her home.  That is truly a talent worth photographing.

#3 Drunken Possession-The Masters Sun

Nothing screams comedy more than a fun comedic actress becoming a dog due to ghostly possession.  Luckily for Tae Kong Sil (and we viewers), this only happens when she imbibes and her emotional boundaries are down.  Leading man, Joo Joong Won, got an unexpected midnight visitor when Kong Sil comes to visit possessed by the ghost of his dead ex-girlfriend.  And then proceeded to see a whole lot of crazy as she was then possessed by a toddler, a seductive french dancer, and finally a feisty dog.  Needless to say, Kong Sil should be careful to stick to Sprite in the future.

#2 Drink til you Feel the Urge to Reenact ET - My Love From Another Star

Doing something embarrassing while drunk is taken to a whole new level when it comes to our favorite alien.  In a flashback Do Min Joon explains the events that lead to his current need for sobriety.  Unknowingly drinking rice wine during the Joseon period, Min Joon got tipsy and lost his serious demeanor.  Losing it by making things float in the air and taking a horse for a joy ride across the path of the moon.   I guess that if I was alive during a time where they promptly killed anything unknown, I would try to keep my ET moments to a minimum as well.

3 WAY TIE FOR #1

Drunken Seduction - Witch's Romance

I love this scene where the romance really starts to heat up between our leading lady Ji Yeon and her much younger costar Dong Ha.  We get a narration by Ji Yeon's BFF, Na Rae, who explains that somehow her friend always seduces her boyfriends with her drunken crazy persona.  As Na Rae is narrating we see Ji Yeon compliment herself in front of traffic mirrors, fight with banners, and order Dong Ha into her house to have another drink.  The drunken crazy is obviously in full swing.

Poor Dong ha did not have a chance since a drunk Ji Yeon pretty much assaults him with her mouth.  But after a second he is fully involved and they move it to the bedroom.  I will let you all see the next parts via pictures since they truly do the scene better justice than my prose can.

You Drunken Dog You - Reply 1994

This wins my vote for most unexpected reaction to drinking.  Before all of the OTP (one true pairing) wars that this drama created, there was a wonderful drinking scene between the cast as they just hang out in the living room chatting and drinking beer.  But it was when Sung Na-Jung (played by the hilarious Go Ara) started winking that it got truly amusing.  Her roommate, Haetae, starts to tell in a voice over, that whenever Na Jung drinks she turns into a real dog.  We see her walk over to her roommate/brother figure Trash and lean in really close. Just as you think she is going to passionately kiss him, she bites his lip instead.  HAHAHA, truly a funny drama moment and makes you wonder how they filmed it without cracking up laughing.

Unsanitary Drinking - You're Beautiful 

I will never forget one of my first and most memorable kdrama drinking scenes.  This one makes me gag to this day anytime I recall and is truly the grossest drunk moment on our list.  Nun turned kpop idol, Mi-Nam, has her first experience with champagne at a party where she is pretending to be her twin brother.  Feeling dizzy and nauseous, the poor thing heads to the rooftop where she finds her unsuspecting band mate.  Throwing up first in a planter (which is gross enough), she then falls on top of leading man and fellow band member Tae Kyeong.  At which time she promptly throws up again IN HIS MOUTH...  EW EW EW.. There is no amount of sanitizing that could make that poor boys mouth clean.

This concludes my trip down memory lane of my favorite drinking moments.  Remember to send me a quick note if you have a topic for our future countdowns, as well as if you have your own favorite drinking moment that is not already listed.  It is always fun to chat with other kdrama fanatics. 

Kmuse

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Witch's Romance Episode 16 (FINALE) - A Seperation and a Wedding

It's official Witch's Romance fans.  We have reached the end of yet another drama and for once it does not disappoint.   It is an episode where happy endings abound and everyone has a nice little moment to finish on.  Also it is no surprise that our OTP (One True Pairing) has gone the distance to achieve their happily ever after.  So let's enjoy our last recap with these awesome and heart grabbing characters.

Relationships Before Work

Dong Ha discovers the notice that Ji Yeon has won the "Global Challenge Award, an award given to only two reporters each year and requires a year long exchange with an English newspaper.   Realizing what an honor it is to be selected, he questions Ji Yeon about it, and why she had not told him anything.  She replies that since she was going to turn it down (because of their relationship) she did not feel the need to talk about it, their relationship means everything to her, and she does not want to stress it this early in.  Dong Ha smiles and hugs her tightly, but eventually tells her to take the award.  Their relationship will be able to weather this trial and he will be here when Ji Yeon returns.

I personally am not a fan of time leaps at the end of dramas.  For the most part, including this drama, are unnecessary.  Especially since he is old enough to avoid the pedanoona pitfalls of some noona romances like Flower Boy Ramyun Shop.  Just seems like more filler to finish out the hour.  On an up note, at least the separation is less then six years this time.

Soo Cheol is My Hero

Soo Cheol has been subtly (at least for him) trying to romance mouse girl for a couple episodes now.  However he is outed when Dong Ha catches him and mouse leaving for a "date".  Dong Ha checks out his BFF's outfit and sniffs the air, then asks why he is wearing his hitting on women outfit and cologne.  Then he puts two and two together and  asks him if mouse is the woman?  HEHEHE  It is so cute, and even cuter when mouse finally reciprocates.  Do I wish he had hooked up with a character with more personality?  Yes.  But at least he has enough charisma for the both of them.

Fast Forward A Year

It has been a year since the parting, during which Dong Ha has been obsessed with his school work and missing his girlfriend.  Soo Cheol is feeling the need to hang out with his BFF and also requires his presence as a chaperon so that he can take an overnight vacation with his mousie girlfriend.  Dong Ha agrees but is obviously a damper on the couples romantic date.   (At least we have Soo Cheol couple to alleviate the moping while Ji Yeon is away in England and I now want to go buy my husband and I matching orange tennis shoes.  So cute!).  

Separation has aged our poor Dong Ha, he is not the shining boy of his youth.  It is credit to Park Seo Joon's acting skills that he can manage to look so worn out yet still handsome all at the same time.   He is definitely a downer for the romantic lovebirds who are in full couple mode.  Dong Ha spends the whole time worrying over his lack of returned phone calls from Ji Yeon.

Surprise! I Love You!

Dong Ha returns to his room early to sit and brood, but instead of an empty room, he finds Ji Yeon waiting with candles and champagne.  I love how Dong Ha is so happy to see her and his eyes tear up a bit.  Then before he can say anything, Ji Yeon pipes in that she needs to speak first and tells him that she loves him.  She explains that this is the first time she has said it first since they have been together, and he needed to hear it from her.  Definitely a wonderful reunion moment by any standards.

This Show is Such a Tease

Come on, you knew the second the writers started spazzing out the cutesy wedding gift shopping scenes that chances were high that it was not Dong Ha's and Ji Yeon's wedding we were watching preparations for (although the PDA moment on the bed was adorable).  I could almost hear the snickering of the writers and shouts of gotcha ringing through the air, as the marriage momma and president ended up being the ones married.  It was a beautiful closing scene in which we saw all the coworkers and then some paired up into blissfully happy couples.  Although I felt bad for her cameraman, who was the only one alone.  I guess someone had to take a photo of all the happy couples.  Let's just consider this drama the equivalent of a present tied up in a shiny red ribbon, nothing and no one were left sad or upset. 

He Even Sings!!!

So due to an awesome friend who loves Yoon Hyun Min as much as I do (quick shout out to Mary Joy Lee in case you are reading) I discovered that he actually began his acting career doing musicals.  There are even several clips on YouTube of plays that he was involved in.  I personally am very impressed with his diverse talent.  And if you want to learn a little more about Yoon Hyun Min and his rise as an actor, then check out his interview about his life and career on our FB page (link at the end of the post).  He is a fascinating and eloquent speaker and I can not wait to watch his next drama.

A Forever Love

I am actually a fan of the little bit of an open ending in regards to this drama.  Ji Yeon was always about more than just a girl obsessed with getting a ring on her finger and just like her character, her relationship has many layers.  Considering Dong Ha's age and extended schooling, I think they made the right choice in not rushing into anything.  The only thing I wonder is on their decision to wait another 7 years.  Personally there is no way i would want to start a family when I am 46.  I am already the mother of three beautiful children which I had all in my twenties, and the idea of being pregnant even in my thirties is terrifying.  I don't care how in shape you are, by then you just get to a whole different level of tired.  But kudos on them for not being forced into a marriage by societies standards.  And when it comes to Kdrama noona romances, it is all about defying societies traditions.

Which is Better?

I was asked a question (by my awesome kbestie and spellchecker, Angela) which was better?  "Witch's Romance", or the original drama "My Queen"?  I have to admit that I really enjoyed both, but when it comes down to it, My Queen was just so so so so very long.  At 21 episodes it really started dragging.  Just imagine it, at least 4 more episodes of Polar Bear couple to sit through, although I will say that My Queen did make you care more about their Polar Bear version.  There was a bit more depth to the plot line which was missing in its Kdrama counterpart.  I think that might be what made our Polar Bear so unbearable.  There just was no depth to his character and he was very one dimensional.  Also the kdrama's OTP had better chemistry (although I think that Park Seo Joon could have chemistry with a stone) which makes a big difference.  And the nail in the coffin was that this version had Yoon Hyun Min playing the BFF.  The characters role in the Tdrama version was A LOT smaller...... and I do mean a lot.  It is credit to his amazing acting that he was able to take a small part and create a larger than life character.  So by all standards the kdrama remake just edges out the tdrama version.  If you feel the urge to go watch the original, just be prepared to do some FF during some of those filler moments.

So you might be asking yourselves, what is next on the Kmuse recapping schedule?  It just so happens that I am ecstatic to be recapping the drama that is replacing Witch's Romance's which is  Seo In Guk's upcoming drama "High School King".  

Judging from the long trailer, it is going to be an epic romantic comedy, full of hijinks and tomfoolery.  Go here http://thecrazyahjummas.blogspot.com/2014/06/7-min-trailer-for-upcoming-drama-high.html to check out the trailer and I hope to see you back for my future recaps.

Kmuse

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Witch's Romance Episode 15 - Happily Ever After........Almost??

Episode 15 was a fun episode that was all about giving the fans what they want, namely a lot of couple cuteness and smooches.  Because when it comes down to it, that is all a fan wants at the end of the day from a romantic comedy.  And thankfully that was all delivered, and then some. 

Bring on the Cute

The morning after Dong Ha's confession is so so cute.  He snuggles his pillow grinning with joy (totally squee moment there!) and Ji Yeon is stalking his doorstep, wondering why he is not out yet.  YAY for team love.  I am so glad we are getting all of the cute OTP moments that we were hoping for from the beginning.

Lovers and Coworkers

Ji Yeon goes to work and is shocked to see Dong Ha who is having a chat with her nemesis.  Ji Yeon runs to intervene and misunderstands what they are talking about, thinking Dong Ha had just told her coworkers that they are dating.  Love the repeat of the scene from episode two where she again totally misunderstands what he is saying since all that is on her mind is their new "couple" status.

The End of a Drama Means Filler

I am sensing the need for some plot filler in the first half of the episode.  Since we are towards the end the writers want to put our OTP (One True Pairing) together as much as possible and had to figure someway to get them back into the workplace.  I find it kind of amusing that he will be working for her rival this time.  It provided some cute laughs, but again, feels like filler that is needed to stretch the series to 16 episodes.  Yup, I was right.  All filler and he only lasted as an employee for a few days before she made him quit.

A Witch's Seduction

The "A Witch's Seduction" talk with Ji Yeon's coworker makes Dong Ha jealous and he starts putting down the law.  Dong Ha tells her that he does not like other men seeing her pretty legs and takes her shopping where he is determined to find something that covers her from her neck to ankle.  She just takes it in stride since he is so cute when he is jealous, but then is mistaken for his sister when she goes to check out.  OUCH.  The downside to dating a younger man.

Sexy Ddukbokki

Dong Ha feeds Ji Yoon a bite, then takes one for himself while calling her "Honey".  So adorable!  But then he gets sexy when he goes to feed her a bite, then bite/kisses the other half from her mouth.  Total Squee moment for our cute OTP.  Who knew that ddukbokki could be romantic. (Personally it is my least favorite Korean food that I have tried so far.  However if I got a cute kiss like that one, I would suffer through)  

Age Gap

Know what is even worse then having a boyfriend who is 14 yrs younger than you?  Your boyfriends BFF's dating people much younger then them.  This age gap leads to awkward conversations and makes the person who is older, really feel their age.   It also pushes our OTP into having a serious heart to heart about their relationship fears.  Ji Yeon worries that Dong Ha's "heart will change", since she has first hand knowledge how hearts really can change.  He hugs her and reassures her that he is in it for the long hall and that he is worried when she goes off without him.  I like that they both are being open about their feelings and fears.  With the things they will have to overcome to make it for the long hall, good communication is a must.

Taking the Next Step

Finally they are connecting emotionally!  YAY for sweet moment.  But this is a cable show, and since the almost hit a home run in the second episode, we are expecting a little more than a kiss.  Unfortunately, Dong Ha seems to be a bit timid when it comes to taking things to the next level.   Ji Yeon is also worried that her sexy skills are non-existent after such a dating dry spell.  Add to that, the fact that Ji Yeon is trying to not look like a love sick stalker girlfriend, and things are just not progressing.

Thanks to their besties interference, both have sex on the brain and a plan to end their dry spell.  I laughed out loud when I saw that Ji Yeon was reading a How to Seduce A Younger Guy book.  Looking in a mirror and wondering what she should wear for her seduction, she is embarrassed when Dong Ha catches her prancing.  He also sees the book on her coffee table.  Hehehehe busted.  He asks for a beer (so subtle Dong Ha) the drink that started them down the road to sex last time.  Both avoid eye contact and she brings out around 24 beers on a platter.  HAHAHAHA  But it does not even take one beer, before both are making out on the floor..............and are interrupted by Ji Yeon's mother who comes barging in (Time to change your door code.)  She complains about younger men and their issues, specifically president's issues, and wonders why the beer she is drinking is so shaken up.  Dong Ha and Ji Yeon just give each other cute looks over her head.  

Curse the Writers 

You would think that everything would be smooth sailing from here on in.  They both have confessed their love, Dong Ha is going to go back to school, they have overcome every hurdle including the 14 year age gap and the whole "physical" parts of their relationship........except now we have one little work related fly in the ointment.  Ji Yion wins a prestigious award which requires her to head to England for a year, in some kind of exchange program.  WHAT?  Seriously writers, we have suffered and suffered to get this OTP together, and now you are going to separate them? (actually let me curse the writers of the original Taiwanese version, since the kdrama writers are just following the original story.  Curses upon the Tdrama writers that can't let our OTP be together without that one added bit of drama.)

Only one more episode to go and then we will be saying goodbye to this wonderful world.  I promise to work as fast as possible to get the finale recap out by tomorrow afternoon. 

Til Then,
Kmuse

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Witch's Romance Episode 14 - Couple T-Shirts, Dates, and Confessions

We have finally reached the last few episodes of yet another drama.  I know that there is still a week to go, but when it comes down to what we were waiting for, we have officially arrived.  You might ask what was it that we, the viewers who suffered through so many boring and/or annoying Polar Bear scenes, were waiting for?  Why, our OTP (One True Pairing) officially accepted their fate, stopped fighting, and became a couple.  This episode gave us a lack of plot movement (AGAIN), but it sure made up for it with enough cuteness to make a yawning kitten jealous.

Witch's Romance Episode 13 - Just Kiss Him Already

I am not sure if it was just me, but personally I felt a little let down by this episode.  I think it was the constant shuffling of Ji Yeon's feet towards making that last step in hooking up with Dong Ha.  She knows why her relationship with Polar Bear fell apart (way too much time crying about that in this episode) and yet when it comes to actually going towards happiness she is lingering.... AGAIN.  For crying out loud, just put an ounce of that chutzpah you have when it comes to your job, and shift it to your dating life, and things would be much much better.

Top 5 Kdrama Countdown - May Week 4

 It has been a great week to be a drama addict.  Not only are the majority of the dramas really hitting their stride story wise, but a ton of new music has been released.  Add in fun KCON news and you have a very happy Kmuse.  So come join me and check out my favorite moments of the week.  As usual if you have suggestions of good currently airing dramas that I am not already watching, or just want to chat, feel free to leave comments here or on our FB page.  Chances are good that if it is suggested, I will probably start watching.  

SONG OF THE WEEK

Vixx - "Eternity" Live performance

My oldest daughter was adamant that the song of the week had to be VIXX with their newest release "Eternity".  Earlier in the week I had posted the MV on our FB page so to do something a bit different I am sharing their live performance on M Countdown.   I am in love with the energy they bring to their live performance and am now hoping that someday I can see them in a concert. Check them out and enjoy the sexiness and style they bring to this song.

#5 Finally A Smile - You're All Surrounded

 The crime drama You're All Surrounded had a lot of great moments this week.  There was the unexpected first kiss between our OTP, awesome confrontations between the two male leads, but there was one scene that out shined them all.  Lee Seung Gi smiled!!  You don't notice what you have been missing until it is right in front of you again.  Known for his brilliant smile and happy demeanor, LSG is usually cast in rolls that prominently display these attributes.  But in YAS he has been a solemn and dour character for 7 episodes. 

But I guess even the most devoted person can't help but smile at the shenanigans of Go Ara.  Enjoys these photos and clip, and I can't wait to see if we see more of this smile now that the dam has been breached. 
Dance Smile Clip

#4 Great OST in a So So Drama - Rock N Road

I pulled one of those insane dramathons that lasted into the wee hours of the morning and caught up with the Taiwanese drama Rock N Road. I don't really recommend that everyone should drop everything and watch this drama ASAP, but it does have some positive things to recommend it.  First, Wu Chris (Autumns Concerto) is looking better than ever and is by far the driving force for me continuing this drama.  

Second, the OST is actually really good.  I am not usually a fan of Taiwanese music for the most part since it is not my favorite language to listen to.  However, this song from the OST has caught my attention and I am really loving it.  Especially like that it connects in with the concepts of the drama so well.  It talks about the love of music, life, and how even without money you can find happiness.  
Here is Jia Jia performing the "Happiness Coming" from the OST.

#3  A Well Deserved Punch - Dr Stranger

What do you do when you suddenly come face to face with the man who caused your father's death and ruined your life?  If you are Park Hoon (Lee Jong Suk - School 2013), you flash your usual smirk in public and then corner him alone in the bathroom and deck the jerk.  But only after you threaten to put a hole in his shriveled heart when you perform his heart surgery.  A great confrontation moment in a wonderfully acted drama and this weeks #3 moment. 
Confrontation Clip

#2 The Morning After - Partners By Blood

Episode 7 of Partners by Blood brought back the funny this week when they had a traditional "we got drunk and woke up in the same bed" plot line.  This theme is very funny, but also very overdone, but what truly made this one stand out was the leads partner/father's reaction to his son hooking up with his best friends daughter.  The facial expressions alone in this scene just crack me up and I have rewatched this scene several times.  Be sure to check out this fun crime/comedy drama and prepare to laugh.

The Morning After Clip (Could not find a descent clip of this scene so go to this link and the segment is the first 6 minutes of episode 7.)
http://www.dramafever.com/drama/4456/7/Partners_by_Blood/?ap=1 

#1 Random Bromance Flashing

There is no better bromance airing on TV right now than that between Dong Ha and Hottie BFF Soo Chul.  Their comfortable banter is the perfect filler in between moments of OTP angst.  This was pumped up a notch this week in episode 11 as Soo Chul took his cute hijinks to a whole new level.  Displaying a busybody persona usually reserved for critical ahjumma's, Soo Chul waltzed through this episodes giving both Dong Ha and Ji Yeon the stink eye.  His antics culminated in the most random moment as he walks into the room where Dong Ha is brooding and goes into pervy flasher mode.  HAHAHA  So is flashing your roommate your twig and berries a bromance thing, because that was epically hilarious.  At this point I don't think I could love Soo Chul anymore and that is why he and his "assets" are #1 on my countdown.

I hope you enjoyed the weekly countdown!  And be sure to check back during the week for our recaps on Gap Dong and Witch's Romance, plus a lot of random Kentertainment related posts.

Kmuse

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Dramas that I am currently watching:
God's Quiz Season 4
A Well Raised Daughter  
Love Myself or You (Tdrama)
Rock N' Road (Tdrama)
Hotel King  
You Light Up My Star (Tdrama)
Fall In Love With Me (Tdrama)  
Angel Eyes  
Bitter Blood/Partners in Blood (Jdrama)  
BORDER (Jdrama)  
Glorious Day
Witch's Romance  
Gap Dong
Wonderful Days 
Wild Chives and Soy Bean Soup: 12 Years Reunion  
Sweet Sweet Bodyguard (Tdrama)
Big Man  
A New Leaf  
Triangle  
Dr Stranger  
You're All Surrounded