Producer Ep 12 FINALE - And the Beat Goes On

I can't believe that we are at the end.  It seriously felt like we just started recapping this drama.  But  now it is time to not only recap episode 12, but let you know our feelings about the drama as a whole.  So please welcome Dongsaeng, who is joining me for this final farewell to "Producer".

Producer ep 11: Empty Swings at Empty Playgrounds

Aghh! You guys! Can you believe that we're already here? It's finale week for our beloved Producer! Twelve episodes sure makes for a fast drama. Just as we start to get used to the water, it's time to get out of the pool.

Producer Episode 10 - Who Should Cindy Really Hook Up With?

The writers are going full tilt forward with the shipping wars to the bitter end.  So personally I have decided that I don't want Cindy to date anyone in this drama.  She deserves better than to be a rebound or an afterthought.  So with that in mind, let's chat about possibilities for her future love line.  In between recapping episode 10 of course, because all of this Seung Chan puppy love also has to be documented, no matter how infuriating it is.

Producer Episode 8 - It's All About Cindy

You would think that getting kissed by Cindy would actually change Seung Chan's focus, if only a little.  But Seung Chan is a tough oblivious nut to crack and continues on his one sided  noonamance.  Which is just a tad frustrating for this viewer.  It's not that I hate having an unknown OTP (one true pairing), but it is a lot easier to take when it is a completed drama and I can power through all the confusion.  This whole waiting a week and then being disappointed with my ships progress just sucks.

Producer ep 7: Feet Firmly Planted Back on One Ship

Remember how a couple of episodes ago, I was unsure of which "ship" I was sailing in regards to Seung Chan? Whether I was all about the Noona Ship with Ye Jin or the Umbrella Couple with Cindy? Well, I am here to let you know, unequivocally, that I am fully on board the.....

Ha! Did you think I was going to give it away already? Pssh. Nah. We still have an entire episode to discuss first before that. You so silly. We'll get to that soon enough, but first, how about we take a look at some of the finer points of this episode?

Producer Episode 6 - Don't go Messing With My Ship

Hello all you "Producer" fans.  We have officially reached the half way point.  WOOT!  This episode was full of highs and lows for me.  Not because any of it was bad, but more because the writers kept creating holes on my OTP (one true pairing) ship.  Just a warning that this recap is going to be more of a mini-cap.  I went on vacation this last weekend, which is wonderful, until you realize that three episodes of recaps did not get done.  Which means I am crazy behind.  So in order to not get farther and farther behind, I am just going to do a quick note of some of my favorite moments.

Producer ep 5: That Hand, That Cheating Hand

Welcome back addicKts to this week's Producer recaps. We're so glad you could join us as we unravel and discuss some of the finer points of what is going on with our stalwart KBS employees this week. And address this issue of Kim Soo Hyun's cheating hand.

But we'll get back to that later.

Producer Episode 4 - Funnier Than Seeing Someone Tased on TV

In my house we have a base level concept that we always find hilarious, and we then tend to relate all other comedy against it.  Kind of like how everything tastes like chicken....  For us it is whether we find something funnier than watching someone get tased on TV.  Before you look at me all askew, I realize that being tased in real life is an unpleasant situation that is NOT funny.. But do it on TV and this ahjumma can't stop laughing.  So it is with great pleasure that I count down the moments I found funnier than watching random idiots getting tased.  Hmmm do you think there might be a tasing competition one day on this fictional 1n2d?  That would make this drama perfect comedic 10 for me.

Producer ep 3: Poor Puppy PD

Welcome back to this week's first installment of Producer recaps! We've got a lot of ground to cover and this little ahjumma is fighting a wee case of the writer's block, so I'm just going to awkwardly jump right into the recap now without a clever opening line. Ready?

Producer Episode 2 - The Korean Bachelor Pad

So I will be completely honest.  Recapping this drama is really intimidating to me.  The writing is so cleaver and there are so many meta jokes. Which, while hilarious, are a bugger to explain to a third party.  There is just something lost in translation when I have to tell the joke, say why it is funny, and then laugh awkwardly while I hear cyber crickets coming from my readers.  So in other words, I have no clue what I am going to recap.

The Producer Ep 1: Lights, Camera, Action!

And.....we're off! After much hype and anticipation, episode 1 of The Producer has finally aired! Welcome to the first installment of our recaps here on TCA. Kmuse and I will once again be co-capping. So, how much did you miss us? ;) I, for those of us that haven't "met" yet, am Dongsaeng, and I will be the odd one this time around, taking on the odd numbered episodes while my partner in blogging takes the more even-keeled route.

Kim Soo Hyun Channels Adorkable in new Trailer!

We are in countdown mode here at TCA as the premier of "Producer" is only a week away. This will be one of several kdramas we will be recapping (I know you are all excited that our recaps are coming back!  It has felt like a lot longer than just a month).  And what is better then to start off the day with an official trailer?  Especially with Kim Soo Hyun looking so cute and dorky.

Teasers for "Producer" are Unexpected.

I have been following information on the upcoming drama "Producer" quite closely since it will most likely be my next recap. I have to admit that I am equal parts intrigued and a little concerned. On one hand, KBS is obviously trying something new, not only with the new drama time slot, but also with the whole variety program tie-in. 

Kmuse's End of Year Countdown - Favorite kdrama Actors of 2014

This was a really hard segment to write. I counted it up and had watched over a 100 different dramas from all over Asia.  Needless to say, there was a lot of competition for a spot on this countdown.  There were so many that I HAD to have on my list since it would not be a complete list of my favorites without them, that it got a tad lengthy.  So please bear with me and I will try to make this as enjoyable as possible with pretty pictures.  I also would suggest any of these dramas to viewers searching for something new to watch since I am sure a lot of you are looking for a good holiday dramathon.

Me N' Min Joon: Invading my favorite K-Alien's space

Did I fly thirteen hours just to squee at the SBS exhibit of My Love From Another Star? Of course not. No really. I did lots of other stuff on my recent visit to Korea. Perusing the love locks at Namsan Tower. Watching Super Junior's Kyuhyun get rolled in a puddle at the last musical performance of Singin' in the Rain. Huddling under my umbrella to block the blistering August sun as I strolled through Gyeongbokgung Palace. But crouching outside Do Min Joon's intercom, making my best anguished "Do Manageeeeeeeeeerrrrrrr!" face places high on the list of favorite things I did in Seoul. All I was missing was a pair of sparkly heels. Unfortunately, they were kept under glass in a different part of the tour.

If you missed the news, SBS took over the space at Dongdaemun Design Plaza where Chun Song Yi made her ill-advised swan dive off the balcony, and they recreated the sets from My Love From Another Star. For those who can't drop everything and grab their passport, hopefully this gives you a taste of the shipper's paradise.

Do you know this drama?

The employee seemed shocked that two non-Asian American women looked so enthralled with . . . well, everything. We informed him that we LUVED it. I guess most of the fans visit from closer places like China or Japan. But we weren't the only far-flying groupies in the country. My Aunt and I met a Saudi Arabian family only the night before that adored dramas. They seemed hesitant to visit the MLFAS extravaganza, thinking it was only a bunch of pictures. I hope they listened to us, because they missed out if they didn't attend.

He actually looks good in a gat!

How does Kim So Hyun pull off one of those crazy, see-through top hats? I walked through a space age, lighted tunnel to enter the exhibit. Had I found the famous wormhole? A huge picture of Joseon Min Joon plastered the wall in front of me. Rows of ancient style, high heels lined up on the floor. Tragic teenage widow's hairpin sat in a place of honor. And there was even a place to practice our old-timey hackysack skills. (For those who see this on variety shows like 1 Night, 2 Days and wonder what the big deal is, it's harder than it looks.)

Slumber party, anyone?

I'll bring my own caterpillar sleeping bag! Oh, the apartments. So close you could almost touch them. Forget almost. Visitors were allowed to enter Do Min Joon's bedroom and pose on the bed, complete with gauzy curtains. You had to pay through the nose to lounge in his special white chair under the tree or sashay down the twisty, library stairs, but one girl obviously thought it was worth it. And, finally, you got the chance to meander through Chun Song Yi's living room, and see the little details you might have missed in the drama. Like the messy stacks of mangas under her side table, or the black and gold couch pillows with blessings on them.

Souvenirs aplenty

Korea knows how to capitalize on the commercialism. They feel very American in that way. The gift shop offered things like Jeon Ji Hyun's leopard print sleep mask, or our sleepy alien's wood block alarm clock. And there was an entire cafe devoted to Chicken & Beer. Lest you think my Do Min Joon sightings ended there, let me just say that Kim Soo Hyun is EVERYWHERE. He must be making a fortune in CFs. But my favorite close encounter was while wandering down an aisle at Lotte Mart (their version of Target) and finding the faces of Do Manager and Chun Song Yi side by side. Cue the background music as you enjoy one last picture . . . You are my destinnnnnnyyyyyyyyyy.

Many thanks to the Crazy Ahjummas for lending me space to gush about my recent trip to the land of makjang, backhugs, and piggyback rides.

Top 5 Kdrama Countdown - February Week 4

So I would just like to apologize to all my viewers who were driven crazy by the fact that I had skipped a month in my last three blog posts.  In all the titles I stated it was March instead of February.  Ooops.  The only excuse I have is that my birthday is in March and so I must have really really been looking forward to it and skipped February all together.  I have since gone and fixed all the posts and am feeling very very absent minded.   I don't know why, but I have no problems keeping track of 17 different dramas cast, airing times, subbing locations, plot lines, and all.  But ask me what month it is and I am sure to get it wrong half of the time.  Priorities Kmuse, priorities - face palm to head.

Song of the Week

Kim Soo Hyun - "In Front of Your House"

My Love From Another Star OST

I decided to add a favorite song of the week to the top 5 countdown.  Usually there is some OST (Official Sound Track) that I play over and over again or there is a really great kpop release that deserves a mention.  This weeks, and our first ever, song of the week is brought to us from the My Love From Another Star OST.  Towards the last fourth of the drama, they introduced us to this song sung by the leading man himself Kim Soo Hyun.  Many of you are aware of his amazing singing ability from Dream High, but for those of you who are not, be sure to check him out!

#5 Accidental Meeting in the Rain

Usually I don't add this drama into my countdown.  Part of the reason is that this is the drama I am currently recapping every week, but also since the majority of the drama is very subtle and slow moving so there are not often those WOW scenes that I love to put in the countdown.  But congrats to INR3 pulling out all my emotions right before the finale with this amazing scene.

Joo Yeon starts walking home but gets caught in a sudden rain storm and runs to a pavilion in the park to avoid the downpour.  Joo Wan, having given up and come back to see her also ends up in the same pavilion and she assumes he is just another hallucination. (for those of you not following this drama he moved out of her house and she is constantly having visions of him in her life still)  "Get lost I don't want to be considered a crazy person talking to myself."  Joo Wan tells her " I am the same, I close my eyes and see you, I open my eyes and see you."  Joo Yeon gets snippy and says that they were not even dating when he yells "We were dating.What we did is what normal women call dating."  He starts to stalk off but comes right back telling her that he is so angry with her and angry that he can't walk away because he can see that she is sick.  And while he does not care AT ALL, he is going to stay with her til the rain clears and then he is gone.

This is a great scene depicting the push and pull of a relationship.  Can't wait to watch the final two episodes this week.
INR3 Rain Clip

#4 The Hand Under the Freaking Bed!

Our #4 moment comes from the drama Let's Eat, known for its cute food porn moments and quirky characters.  But can we leave all the sweet and happy behind for a second and talk about the creepy hand under the bed?  This show has done an amazing job of mixing lighthearted romance and situations with the sinister serial killer creepiness to the point that you totally forget about the bad guys until BANG.................. A hand is shown under one of the characters bed!  In episode 14 we get the resolution to the local serial killer (in his own right is creepy as heck) who is caught by the police so we the viewers assume that it is easy sailing for the last two episodes.  I am all ready to fall in love with our OTP and have everyone wrapped up in a pretty pink bow of happiness.  But just when you think it is safe to live by yourself we see the cute next door neighbor girl leaving her apartment with packages in hand, and then DUN DUN DUN (imagine sinister music) the camera pans towards the side of her bed and we see a human hand slowly move out from under the bed.  What the HECK drama, you gave me nightmares.  I was home alone by myself and could not get to sleep til 4 am because of this scene.  So kudos to you for scaring the bajeebies out of me.

I could not find a clip for "the hand" so you guys get to enjoy the creepiness of serial killer boy.  Love how crazy this actor made his eyes look.  And his sing song speech gave me the chills.

Serial Killer Clip

#3 Act Like A Lady

YAY! We have a new drama making it's debut on our countdown this week.  When I started watching Bride of The Century I have to admit that I was not expecting much.  The trailers and synopsis had been slightly vague and confusing with talks of ghosts, look a likes, and curses.  But after watching episode 2 I am now a firm fan and have been waiting impatiently for the next episodes.  The two main characters played by Lee Hong-Ki (You're Beautiful - this drama might even break my need to call this actor Jeremy every time I see him) and Yang Jin-Sung (smaller characters in She Is Wow, City Hunter) have great chemistry.  And while I don't see this drama being one that reinvents the genre, I still feel very happy when I watch it.  My favorite running concept so far is how Na Doo-Rim (pretending to be her rich doppelganger) continues to let her lady persona slip in front of her "fiancee" his reaction to it.   Don't know why but I just can't get enough of it. 

My favorite moment so far is when she invades his bedroom, plays with his toys, and is caught by her having a sword fight by her fiance.  Then when he tries to get frisky with her she literally causes him physical pain.  Every time he gets his "what the heck are you" look on his face I just crack up.
My new favorite couple clip

#2 A Father's Regret

For those of you watching King's Daughter Soo Baek Hyang you know that this is by far one of the best Sageuk (historical) dramas ever made in the genre.  If you have not started watching this for whatever reason, then you should suck it up and start.  IT IS AMAZING!  97 episodes in and it continues to just get better and better.  In episode 95 we see King Muryeong have to deal with the consequences of his actions when his "real" son is found to have murdered his true love in a misguided act of revenge.

OK QUICK PLOT DESCRIPTION (the condensed version).  King Muryeong's cousin (the current king) is murdered and he is forced to take the throne.  Wanting to make sure his cousin's son eventually inherits the crown he switches him with his own son so that he can ensure the kingdom will go to the late kings son and not his.  He sends his own son to be raised by the faction of the leaders that are against him to ensure his sons safety.  Then he takes his cousins son and raises him as his own.  Needless to say this causes problems later on when his own son seeks revenge for the person he assumes is his father, therefore killing his "real" fathers epic love and causing everyone involved some serious pain.  Especially the King who finds out that when he thought his real son was happy living on the fringes of the court, he was really jealous and lonely causing him to betray the king.

I hope that made sense.  Anyway back to the current episode.  The king is forced to strip Prince Jin Moo of his title and is so angry he threatens to kill him.  Prince Jin Moo tells him to do it since then he can go to the afterlife with his father and no longer be lonely.  This of course destroys the King who was unaware his "real" son had such bitterness and pain within him.  What follows is one of the best scenes of the whole drama.

A Father's Regret Clip

#1 One Last Memorable Kiss

With the ending of My Love From Another Star, was there any question of it not receiving my #1 spot, we were left on a whirlwind of crying, crying, hope for a happy ending, and more crying.  And whether you liked the ending or not we were sure dragged along for the emotional ride.  The scene that stood out the most however was that "last" epic kiss.  There have been some great kisses in this series.  The time stood still kiss, the 15 sec kiss, the selfish kiss, but there was always something missing.  They were all beautifully done but there was just not that extra oomph of passion that I know these two actors can deliver.  So I was one happy camper when the final kiss was dramatic, intense, and passionate.  Not to mention I totally loved the fact that he continued to "out" himself on the red carpet in order to claim his girl.  Very romantic and made me so happy.

Red Carpet Kiss Clip

It has been such a great week for kdramas and  I apologize for the lateness of my countdown this week.  I was sick and had some vertigo problems and as I discovered, it is impossible to write a blog that makes any sense when everything is spinning.  But something good did come out of my forced bed rest.  I have found one doozy of a #1 for next week.  It is a kiss that stands out among kisses and I bet that most of you have not even started the show yet.  So be sure to check back next week to find out what drama/kiss I am talking about and see what other four scenes make it onto my top 5!

Sincerely,
Kmuse

P.S.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook for info on all our newest recaps and posts.
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Dramas that I am currently watching:
Potato Star 2013QR23
A Well Raised Daughter (subs are behind in relation to the filming schedule)
Bride of the Century
Sly and Cunning Lady
Can We Love
King's Daughter Soo Baek Hyang
Empress Ki
Full House (Thailand version)- can find subs on Viki and Youtube.
Lets Eat
My Love From Another Star
Golden Rainbow
Inspiring Generation
I Need Romance 3 - Be sure to check out my recaps!
Emergency Couple 
Angel's Revenge (seconds away from dropping this one)
Beyond the Clouds/Full Sun 
Another Parting (check out my recaps)
Ghost Seeing Detective CheoYong
Wonderful Days 

Top 5 Kdrama Countdown : February Week 2

This is the first week where many of our shows have been preempted or delayed because of the Olympics (thankfully South Korea has a smaller Olympic team than the US so while some shows are preempted to watch competitions, the majority of our dramas are still airing) which has caused some problems in finding five "really epic" moments.  Luckily we had an amazing performance by an Asian competitor in the Olympics so my top 5 was able to be rounded out without doubling up on any one drama.  With that said, I hope you enjoy my countdown this week.

 #5 I Love A Tough Female Character

So I will let you in on a secret.  The actress that plays Gaya (Lim Soo-Hyang- New Tales of a Ginsaeng, I Do I Do) tends to play all of her characters very cold and wooden which usually annoys me.  But luckily she was finally cast in as a character that is supposed to be very cold and wooden so it is no surprise that she NAILS IT!  I have actually heard some people talk about how they don't like how the writers have made her so mean and unlikable.  But I would say she is more strong and capable and surviving in a very harsh enviroment.  She has that something that is almost always missing in historical heroines in dramas, intelligence and nerves of steal.  There is nothing more annoying than having a girl go around ringing her hands and either whining or crying over life's hardships (I am looking at you 2nd lead Kim Ok-Ryeon) so it is nice to see a female character that not only is tough she is down right scary.  In episode 10 we see Gaya arrive in Shanghai and then go alone into enemy territory.  Also can I just say that visually this scene was amazing.  The contrast of her in her beautiful Kimono against all the thugs in black was awesome and made her character look even more of a bad ass.  So at least on my part I give kudos to the casting of Lim Soo Hyang because for once I am enjoying one of her dramas.

#4 Kim Soo Hyun's Tears

Is there something wrong with me that I kind of like to watch Kim Soo Hyun cry?  Ever since watching him in The Moon That Embraces the Sun I just cant get enough of it.  He not only does the pretty cry, but it eventually turns into an emotionally devastated cryfest that is raw and not pretty.  Any time one of his characters does this it totally gets me sobbing right there along with him.  We get to see a lot of crying in this weeks episodes of My Love From Another Star.  It is no picnic having to tell your soul mate that you love her but you only have thirty days before you jump on your spaceship and disappear from her life.  But his character does it with such emotion that I just adore this scene. That is why KSH's crying earns him a spot on this weeks top 5!

Angst and Crying Clips ep 9 & 10

#3 Valentine Bromance

Our #3 moment is brought to you from ep 12 of Let's Eat.  It's Valentines Day and Lawyer Kim Hak Moon is feeling romantic (never have I seen a funnier lovelorn character).   He is buying Soo Kyung some chocolates and runs into Dae Young who guesses correctly about his unrequited love.  Our love sick lawyer confesses his concerns and Dae Young is able to give him a huge pep talk.  The true joy of this scene is that while the two talk about confessing and love angst they get really cute and bromancy to the point that they themselves look like a couple out on valentines day.  Lets Eat is such a cute show and while it is obviously forcing the bromance moment on us with the subtly of a speeding train, it still is adorable and hits all the awwwwwww cute/funny buttons for the viewers.

Bromance Support Clip

#2 What is a Power Hungry Dad to Do?

I am really starting to enjoy the daily drama A Well Raised Daughter.  On one side we have Jang Ha Na, the main girl who is pretending to be a man.  On the other side we have a chaebol father who is planning a hostile take over of Ha Na's Soy Sauce Company.  To his dismay he finds that his oldest illegitimate son (who mostly has been raised to be his dads thug) refuses to do anything that might hurt Ha Na.  His daughter declares that she is going to marry him/her since he is so pretty.  And his other son (who is Ha Na's roommate and the current love interest) tells his dad that he is pretty sure he is gay and loves his roommate.  One cross dressing girl causing havoc in this poor tycoons life is very amusing.  It also helps that for once we have a father who actually loves/listens to his children to an extent which makes the whole situation more funny then angsty.  If you want to check out this drama you can find it at darksmurf subs. 

If you want a sense of the drama's romance then check out the below clip.  Trying to make a condition conductive to cuddling (between main guy and their daughter) the evil mother ahjumma breaks the heat for the house.  Ha Na goes to fix it and instead breaks a pipe.  Her roommate/love interest also goes down to the boiler room to check on the heat and finds Ha Na drenched.  Needless to say that sparks and water fly in this clip. 
Lets Cuddle Instead of Calling A Plumber Clip

#1 An Amazing Win at the Olympics

OK So I know this is not Kdrama related and that he is Japanese not Korean.  But this guy's short skate program was amazing and one of the best things I have watched on TV this week.  So Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu you are #1 on my list this week.  Congrats to Yuzuru Hanyu on winning the Gold and breaking the record for the highest scoring short program in history!

Yuzuru Hanyu

Link for Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu world record beating Short Program (even if you don't watch figure skating this performance is very impressive so be sure to check it out.)
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/yuzuru-hanyu-explodes-short-program-world-record?ocid=yahoo 

Be sure to check out the blog in the next couple weeks since there will be some fun changes happening and hopefully we Ahjummas will be able to entertain you even more than we already are.  Not to mention I will be recapping Seo In Guk, my #1 bias's new web series Another Parting (Check below for trailer).  So be on the lookout for that along with my usual recap of I Need Romance 3 in which hopefully we will start seeing the romance.  Until then I wish you all a busy kdrama filled week.  

Sincerely,
 Kmuse 

Another Parting Trailer

Dramas that I am currently watching:

Potato Star 2013QR23
A Well Raised Daughter (subs are behind in relation to the filming schedule)
One Warm Word
Can We Love
King's Daughter Soo Baek Hyang
Empress KI
Lets Eat
My Love From Another Star
Golden Rainbow
Inspiring Generation
I Need Romance - Be sure to check out my recaps!
Emergency Couple 
Angel's Revenge 
Full Sun 
Another Parting

Yuzuru Hanyu explodes with short program world record - See more at: http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/yuzuru-hanyu-explodes-short-program-world-record?ocid=yahoo#sthash.X843yJqz.dpuf

The Top Actors/Singers of 2013

So this is officially my last blog post of 2013..... And since this is not getting up till today when I add all the awesome photos, it is also my first blog post of 2014.  WOOHOO for blogging.  I enjoy it even more then I thought I was.  So I just want to thank Shannen and Jess for giving me this opportunity.  It totally rocks.

When I was thinking of who I wanted to put in my top men of 2013 i decided I wanted to branch out a bit.  As you know I liked certain shows and a lot of my favorite actors and actresses were in so said shows.   So instead of doing all actors (and repeating the same info over and over) I will be adding some singers/groups mixed in here or there and maybe some movie actors as well.  We are just going to play it by ear and of course have a whole lot of photographic evidence of their awesomeness.

The Workaholic

 

So this groups title is pretty self explanatory.  These are the men who don't sleep ever.  And I seriously think they might have cloned themselves since I don't see any other explanation for how they got so much accomplished in one year. 

Joo Won

What can you say about Joo Won other then he is amazing.  An actor among actors he takes everything he does very very seriously.  When he gets into a role it is 100% and he said in an interview that he always has troubles falling for his costars since he becomes so close to the character he is playing onscreen.  This has been a huge year for the actor.  He recently won an award for best actor in his portrayal as a  genius doctor suffering from autism.  He also was in Level Seven Civil Servant (the best thing about the drama was his character), the movie Catch Me, Broadway Musical Ghost, sang a song in every dramas OST, and is even going back to school because after he retires someday he wants to teach.  Also add in his variety show (retired recently from it) One Night Two Days where he stole our hearts with his adorable serious side.  He truly is the king of workaholics, but that is OK since I love everything he does.  Be sure to look forward to his next movie Fashion King in 2014.

Kim Woo Bin

Considering he did not even have a leading character (a co-lead in 2013) he sure took 2013 by storm.  Starring in the hit dramas School 2013, Heirs, the hit Movie Friend 2, and Modeling, modeling and more modeling, he still found time to come out to the public about his two year romance with fellow model Yoo Ji Ahn.  Many, including the members of this blog, felt that he outshines the other actors (and that is a hard thing to do when you are up against a smorgasbord of khotties) including Lee Min Ho in Heirs.  And we are all waiting for him to make that jump to leading man so we can see him finally "get the girl".

Lee Jong Suk

Another huge workaholic is Lee Jong Suk of I Hear Your Voice fame.  He started the year off with his first large role in School 2013 where he played a troubled youth attempting to make it through school and maybe find redemption from his ex BFF.  He then jumped straight into I Hear Your Voice a noona comedy mystery fantasy romance where he played a young student who could read peoples minds.  Add in two movies Hot Blooded Youth and No Breathing and lets not forget that he is probably the most photographed Korean of the year (I swear you had new CV and magazine photos of him daily for a while) and you have one bonafide Korean superstar.  And this all happened in one year.  Cant wait to see what he brings us in 2014. 

Building up My Resume

So I have noticed that there are actors out there that go for the role's that give them experience regardless on whether it is the B Lead or not.  These are actors that have a tendency to avoid typecasting and are in it for the craft.  You have to give them props for their efforts even though I wish sometimes they would stick with being the A lead because I swear if Kim Bum does not get the girl in one more drama I might scream.  

Jung Kyung Ho
Just off his Military Service Kyung Ho jumped back into dramas by accepting the part of Doc's Son in Heartless City.  I personally had known him from his work in Smile You where he played a sweet guy next door type character.  So I was very happy to see him take this darker character and run with it.  He even finished the last weeks of his drama with a herniated disk but still kept up the action and intensity to the end.

Kim Bum
Kim Bum has had a year of really well acted B lead roles.  He was the scrappy BFF in Winter Wind Blows and then went straight into the tragic fighter who pines for the unattainable girl in Goddess of Fire.  He also was the tragic Gothic mind reader in the movie Psychometry. I appreciate that he is looking to expand his skills by taking character roles rather then just the handsome A list romantic drama roles but I really really want to see him get the girl soon.  He has been B lead (I am pretty sure on purpose not because he does not have the chance at A lead roles since he was the lead in Women Who Still Want to Marry) in his last three dramas and I personally really really really really want to see him as the romantic lead.  I don't care if it is a Sageuk, Comedy, or Melodrama.... Just please come back to be the star we all know you are.

Yoon Shi Yoon
Beginning 2013 with his role as, Enrique a multi national computer gaming genius, Yoon Shi Yoon spread his acting wings to play the layered character to the fullest (to bad he had the romantic downer Park Shi Hyun as his leading lady......... she really ruined a lot of dramas for me this year).  He also put his all into the newest and short lived (thank goodness because there are only so many episodes you can watch on diving and cooking before you go crazy) variety show barefoot friends.  And finished out the year as accepting the 2nd lead in Prime Minister and I (which is AWESOME if you are looking for a good romantic comedy).   He truly is a Renaissance man............not only is he an amazing actor but he also speaks, Japanese, Spanish, some Mandarin, and Korean..........and it shows in his acting.

Taemin
This next star is the maknae of the musical group Shinee.  Taemin has often been considered the young sweet cute member of shinee.  But I am happy to announce that he has finally matured and is branching out.  He guest starred in drama Dating Agency: Cyrano as well as helped several friends by being in their MV's.  Add to that all that he accomplished with Shinee and it equals into one great year for the young singer.  Enjoy the MV's below and notice his amazing presence and dance style.

Henry-Trapped featuring Taemin MV

Boa & Taemin MV & live performance (the live performance was pre2013 but still good)

I'm a Bonafide Movie Star

Kim Soo Hyun 
After having the break out hit of 2012 with Moon Embracing the Sun, everyone was interested to see what Kim Soo Hyun would do next.  He decided to try his hand at the big screen and scored two of the largest movies of the year.  In Secretly Greatly he played an undercover Korean spy who had to fake being simple minded as a cover.  Although the movie on a whole had some issues, he was amazing and I could not have been happier.  He also was a member of the ensemble cast The Thieves and I personally think that his character stole ever scene he was in and resulted in one of my all time favorite kisses.  He ended out the year by taking on the lead role in the drama My Love from Another Star where he plays an Alien who has lived in Seoul for 400 years and falls for a top actress.  All in all it has been a huge year for this amazing actor.

Lee Byung Hun
Lee Byung Hun actually did most of his work here in the US.  Starring in the two Hollywood blockbusters Red 2 and GI Joe Retaliation he became the new Asian face in US action movies.  He also found time in his busy schedule to marry Lee Min Jung.  Look forward to more Lee Byung Hun in 2014 in the movie Memories of The Sword.

Singers Make Women Swoon

CNBlue
 The CNBlue boys have been very busy this year. Between all of them doing various dramas (Heirs, Marry Him if you Dare, Sword and Flower, My Daughter Seo Young) as well as world tours and putting out new songs they have been working non stop.  But all of this work seems to have payed off as they are more popular then ever.  It also helps that they seem to have matured from their guy next door look to something much more sharp and dashing.

I'm Sorry Live

G Dragon

GD is not really a bias of mine.  However no one can disagree that he has had a huge impact on the music scene this year.  As a solo artist and entertainer he has continued to put out quality MV's and do entertaining variety show guest spots all year long.  My personally favorite was his work on the variety show Infinity Challenge.

GD and Hyung Dong - Going to Try (infinity challenge)

 Crooked MV

Who You MV

Coup D'Etat MV

 
Junsu

Junsu is one talented singer.  He spent the year performing in the musical Elizabeth and also found time to put out a solo album and do his job as one of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games Ambassador

2014 Incheon Asian Games Ambassador

2014 Incheon Asian Games Ambassador

along with the other two members of JYJ.  I also count him as one of my favorite Korean idol dancers because he has some insane energy going on.  I am adding a behind the scenes dance rehearsal so you can focus on how amazing he is without being distracted by the MV.  Enjoy

Incredible MV

BTS Dance Rehearsal

Junsu - Musical Elizabeth

Ballad 11a.m. MV

Seo In Guk

So those of you who know me know that Seo In Guk is my #1 Bias.  It was so hard to pick where to put him in the line up.  He is a workaholic, also played a 2nd lead character in the hit Master's Sun, starred in the movie No Breathing, and had multiple hit songs as well as a hit Japanese Album not to mention a ton of photo shoots for various magazines.  But I decided to stick him with the singers this year since he had so many amazing songs released as well as a current (or at least a week ago current) #1 duet with Zia.  So enjoy some of his MV's from this last year.

With Laughter or With Tears MV

No Matter What - Masters Sun OST

Loved You (featuring Zia) - There is no official MV yet but the song is still amazing.

We Can Dance Tonight MV (japanese CD)

I'm Lee Min Ho, I defy the list system

I think that as women we are just predisposed to fall for Lee Min Ho.  I don't know why but it is just a part of life, like the rising of the sun.  Every year we wait for whatever drama Lee Min Ho decides to put out.  Sometimes the are great, sometimes they are so so, but it does not matter since it is Lee Min Ho.  This years drama The Heirs was a mix of great moments and shallow writing (feel free to read the Crazy Ahjumma's reviews of the drama) that left me happy if not necessarily fulfilled.   But it again proves that it does not matter how many ugly sweaters you put him in, we will still watch.

Welcoming in 2014 and the khotties I want to see more of!

Choi Jin hyuk - Emergency couple airs this Saturday and I am excited to see our very own Papa Gumiho as the lead.

Kim Woo Bin - Come on already he deserves to get the girl and not just steal our hearts away from the OTP.

Hyun Bin- I know that he has a movie (The Kings Wrath) coming out this year but is it to much to ask that he come back to dramas.  It has been three years and a military service ago since Secret Garden.

Kim Nam Gil - I loved him in Shark (mostly because he is Kim Nam Gil regardless of how lazy the writers got) and I cant wait to see him in Pirate.  He is always at his best scruffy and kind of crazy. 

 And that officially completes my review of the great year that was 2013.  Lets cross our fingers that this next year will be equally as entertaining for us Kdrama junkies.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2014
Sincerely,
Kmuse