The Best of the Best......... So hard to choose only five!

So this has been an amazing year for dramas.  At least one drama stood out with every batch and there was never I time when I had nothing to watch.  However some dramas are just a step above the rest.  Usually for me that means that the writers are really good and can write a script that avoids a lot of the standard Korean Plot devices/and or turns them around so they feel fresh and new.
Incarnation of Money

IOM is a drama that is not sure what genre it is meant to be.  Comedy, Action, Suspense, & Revenge were all tossed into a bag, shook up, and out came this amazing drama which had me hooked from start to finish.  Written by my favorite kdrama writers, Jang Young Cheol & Jung Kyung Soon (Empress Ki, Giant, History of a Salaryman), they did not disappoint yet again.  Orphaned with amnesia at a young age Lee Cha-Don (Kwang Ji Hwan- Lie to Me, Coffee House) must face a world run by greed and bribery.  He starts as a prosecutor who is so dirty he even has a nickname in the underworld he supposedly arrests.  However when he regains his memory he sets off on a quest to get revenge against the man who took everything from him.
Why you should Watch it
This show is hilarious and suspenseful and all things wonderful all at once.  Also seeing the various character grow (either stronger or more evil depending on the character) is so interesting.  There is so much gray in all the characters that you dont know if you always support their actions, but you always want to watch more.  This is Kwang Ji Hwan's strongest acting in a drama to date.  He had me gripped from start to finish.  I literally cried when this drama ended and I had to delete it from my watching file on MDL.   I would also like to point out that this is the only top drama that was not on my favorite couples list.  It was so good that the romance did not have to be the focus.

Usually this is where I put a MV for the drama.  However since this drama was not widely spread through the subbed sites it kind of went under the radar (HULU JUST PICKED UP THE SHOW THIS MONTH AND YOU CAN NOW FIND IT FULLY SUBBED IN HD).  So instead I am going to show a clip that every Kwang Ji Hwan fan should enjoy.  Here he is  dancing oh so so so sexy.  ENJOY.

 I Hear your Voice

One of the biggest hits of the year, I Hear Your Voice was an instant success with its mix of comedy and suspense.   A thriller courtroom drama with fantasy and romantic comedy elements. It depicts the story of Jang Hye Sung (Lee Bo Young), a bold, sassy, and materialistic public defender who becomes a lawyer after overcoming poverty and painful memories from her childhood. Park Soo Ha (Lee Jong Suk), is a 19-year-old boy who reads other people’s thoughts and who has loved Hye Sung who since he was eight after she gave her testimony in his father's murder case.   This drama will have you on the edge of your seat as you watch them avoid a serial killer and attempt to overcome their age difference to find romance.  I know I am personally biased towards this drama since Lee Jong Suk is in my top 5 favorite actors, but you will not be sorry if you give this drama a try.  It will make you laugh, cry, and forever be scared of the Jackson 5's song "Ill Be There".
 Why you Should Watch It:
Lee Jong Suk could literally have chemistry with garden gnome statue and make it work for me.  He is just one of those actors that pulls you into his story regardless of what he wants you to believe.  Will I believe that he is a mind reading uber hot orphan who can do Jiujitsu?  Sure I will because I love him regardless of how implausible the plot is.

I did mention he could have chemistry with anything right?  Check him out looking romantic with a giant stuffed grizzly bear.  I swear some of the photography concepts can be so odd.

Ugly Alert

 Ugly Alert is a daily drama and while it has a solid fan base, it was under the radar for the average drama watcher.  About a boy who takes the blame for an accidental murder committed by his step brother.  Ten years later he is released and meets a lonely Choebal heiress Na Do Hee.  Following the initial trial of admitting that he is a felon they fall for each other and from start to finish continue to support each other through thick and thin.  Combined with an amazing supporting cast of very likable characters, this drama shows us that family can mean more then just blood relations.  And I for one enjoy a drama actually showing this rather then the concept that blood is the only thing worthy when it comes to family.
Why you Should Watch It:
Unlike 99% of other Korean dramas this one has their characters choosing to communicate and let each other know everything that is happening.  It has characters that put others needs above their own and also is the first time I have ever seen a Chaebol Korean family choose the good of people over the all mighty dollar.  Add in a slew of healthy normal relationships that you actually enjoy and some quirky friends and you have 130 episodes of pure gold.  From start to finish I loved this drama and the family that inhabited it.  I know that that many episodes can look daunting, but at only 35 min an episode the time goes by so quickly.

And another reason is that the skinship in this drama is often and adorable.  I found this other great MV but for some reason it would not load so if you want to see some clips of all three couples in the drama check out

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faVzHepOHio.

Secret Love

The most dysfunctional show by far this year, we watch the OTP Min Hyuk and Yoo Jung fall in love despite a whole psychological slew of reasons that they shouldn't.  Taking the blame for killing Min Hyuk's pregnant girlfriend, Yoo Jung serves five years in prison.  Determined to get revenge Min Hyuk stalks her day and night when she gets out.  And what does every good Korean stalker do?  Why fall in love with the person they are obsessed with of course.  Just usually they wait until all the misunderstandings are cleared up first.  Unlike other Korean lead characters, Min Hyuk starts to fall for her while he is still under the impression that she is a murderess.
Why You Should Watch It:
This show makes you cheer for the leading man even though you are pretty sure he should be in prison for his intense level of creepy stalking (seriously in the US he would have been arrested a billion times over for his level of stalking).  I love how the writers always keep us feeling like the relationship is just a tad bit warped and wrong and that we are also a bit of both for hoping the leads get together.  This drama was the eppitamy of guilty pleasure and I loved every dysfunctional minute of it.

     They were so connected in with each other and had amazing timing and chemistry.         

 The oxygen left the room anytime they were together on screen.

Heartless City 

Set in the underground world of Seoul's drug cartel, Heartless City is the story of one man's attempt to win against gangsters and cops alike.  It delves into the dark and cynical life of Doc Son and the workings of a city run by drugs, greed, and violence.  I love that this show is trying to actually bring something new to the drama world.  So often the characters of dramas are toned down bad guys but this drama you see all of the sins of all the players both the supposed bad guys and those.  
Why you should watch it:
The haunting music, the amazing side characters, and a gritty knife yielding hot lead make this drama a must watch.  Not to mention the steamiest kiss/sex scene I have ever seen in a drama.  If you are looking for something different, something that you have not seen already then give Heartless City a try.  I guarantee by episode four you will be hooked.

This is the scene that hooked my for the long hall.  There is nothing sexier then a man in a suit taking down 15 hardened thugs all on his own.  

School 2013

  I know that I said that this was my top 5 but really there is no way I can not have this drama in my best of list.  It was one of the very first dramas of 2013 and if it can stick with you 50 dramas later and still have a major impact on your emotions then that deserves  a ten on my list.
At the start of 2013 two models turned actors (Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin) starred in an ensemble cast in a drama called School 2013.  Starting out as a story about students going through the rigors of school in Seoul, the plot quickly centered on the relationship between the two best friends turned enemies.   I laughed and cried with them as they went through the trials of betrayal and forgiveness and their chemistry together was tangible.  Never have I wished for two guys to be a couple then these two.   And in my mind they are off somewhere married to sisters and living in a huge communal home staying BFF's forever.
Why you Should Watch It:
Remember how I said Lee Jong Suk could have chemistry with anything???  Well put him together with Kim Woo Bin who has his own brand of macho charisma (it is kind of getting hit over the head with a shovel, you will respond to him regardless of whether you think he is attractive or not) and it is electrifying.  

And since we are totally breaking all the rules I am going to add two MV's to showcase this couple.  Did I mention that I Ship them so so so so so much.  Months later when they were on running man (clip 1) I totally squealed along with them as the touched and jumped so cutely because of brain freeze.. 

CLIP 1

 Clip 2

Dramas That Came So Close:

 If this year had not had so many AMAZING dramas, then these three would definitely have made the cut.  I loved each and every one of them and would suggest they get put on your "must watch" list ASAP.
Masters Sun
Great supernatural romantic comedy from the Hong Sisters.  My only complaint is that they could have made use of the OTP's chemistry a little more and given their kiss scenes a bit more sizzle.

Nine
A roller coaster drama that makes your brain hurt trying to figure out all the time lines (but in a good way).  My only complaints is that I really don't like the lead actress (thankfully the male lead was so good that he did not need her to carry much wait in the story) and the ending made my mind go around in circles for days.

Two Weeks
A great drama starring Lee Joong Ki we get to watch a bad guy become a better person because of a daughter he never knew he had.  Combining great action, plot timing, and acting we get everything in this drama.  My only complaint is that some of the supporting characters were not fleshed out very well.  Everyone else seemed just a bit slow compared to the lead.

 The ends my list of the best of the best in the year 2013.  I cant wait to ring in the new year with a dramathon and the beginning of  a new list.  Be sure to check in later this week as I write my last blog post of 2013, The hottest khottie actors of 2013.

Sincerely,
Kmuse

On Air {Monday Morning Therapy with Dongsaeng}

What is going on this year?  How did the drama deities get it so right this time around?  We go from one amazing batch of dramas straight into another.  I'm never going to be able to get to my "to-watch" list if this keeps up*.  I have 5 currently airing dramas going right now.  Granted, this isn't an all-time high for me (my top ever was 6 if I remember correctly), but still, 5 currently airing shows is a lot.  So far though, I'm loving every one of them that I'm watching and can't imagine dropping any of them.  Am I just too easy?  A drama slut?  Should I raise my standards?

Nah.  I just think that there are a lot of good choices out there right now.  And I want to take a moment and introduce some of them to you if I may.

Since we are already reviewing them on a per-episode basis, I will refrain from talking too much about Master's Sun or Good Doctor.  Though, as I am not personally reviewing Master's Sun, I'd just like to publicly come out and tell you how much I am loving this drama so far.  I know we're only 2 episodes in, but so far, I think it's my favorite of the new batch.  If you haven't picked it up yet, I'd suggest giving it a shot.

Master's Sun is a ghost story, but oddly enough, not my only ghost story I have going at the moment.  I'm also currently watching Who Are You?  This is the one about the police officer who wakes up from a six-year coma and can now see ghosts.  She works in the lost-and-found department and some of the items there have stories, and ghosts, attached to them.  And even though we haven't gotten to that point yet, we're promised a love triangle that involves the ghost of her dead boyfriend.  Now come on, who couldn't love a story like that?  So far I'm enjoying this one.  I'm a big Ghost Whisperer fan, and this one reminds me a lot of that show.  The creep out factor isn't very high and, say what you will about his acting, Taecyeon is very nice to look at (p.s. his acting is just fine in my opinion - maybe not top tier, but not dreadful and doesn't detract at all from what's happening, so we're good).

Two Weeks is another one in my weekly rotation and the only one I'm a little behind on.  I haven't quite finished episode 2 yet.  Personally this one is most likely going to be the most difficult one for me just because of the subject material.  It's about a man who one day finds out that he has a daughter and that she's dying of cancer.  By some miracle, he is a match for the bone marrow transplant that she needs in order to save her life.  He meets this daughter surreptitiously and is instantly enamored by her bright and adorable disposition.  This kid is seriously cute.  It's impossible not to love her.  The operation date is set and then trouble starts.  He's framed for a brutal murder.  This show is intense and tears at my heartstrings as a mom.  I don't do well with injustice and shows where bad stuff is going to happen to good people because of bad people.  Quality-wise, this one is a slam dunk.  Everything about it is top notch.  I'm just a tender soul I suppose, so I'm going to have to watch this one in little spurts in order to protect my poor widdle heart.

My fifth drama that is currently airing is You're the Best Lee Soon Shin.  Yeah, we're already 44 episodes into this 50 episoder (I'm only on ep 40 as I chose to slow down and not catch up because I'm very impatient).  Since this one has been airing for quite some time, I will spare you the details, but just say that, it is officially my longest drama to date and, well, I'm still watching it all these episodes later.  I really am loving Jo Jung Suk and IU along with the rest of the cast (minus Grandma - really don't like her - wish she had died back when she threatened to).  If you like family dramas, I think this one is a winner.  It's a least a nice mellow break when I'm a little burnt out on the heavier stuff.  A perfect addition to the rotation.

Being the true addicKt that I am, I look at this list here and think that it's awfully sad and lonely and could use some more.  Hard to imagine those days when I would only watch one drama at a time.  One drama.  What was I doing with my life back then?  What a waste.  ;)

So, what are you watching?  What should I add to my list?

Now, for your dose of Monday pick-me-ups.  It's no longer morning, but for me, I needed this stuff more in the afternoon today.  (what?  No, this has nothing to do with my Monday morning nap I took instead of finishing this here post - what would give you that silly idea?  I totally planned on getting this out late.  *whistles innocently*)


D-O-Y-O-U-L-O-V-E-M-E?
2NE1 released a new song recently and I thought it was fun and fresh. I enjoyed the simple video of just the girls playing. It's a perfect summer song along with their last Falling in Love. It's just nice to see them more as natural girls in a natural setting doing what girls naturally do. It's a refreshing break from the over-styled, super sexy model look.

Dance practice


A friend of mine recently began a KPop-centered radio show on the airwaves of Austin, TX.  It's called THE FIX and airs Sunday evening 6-7pm Central Time.  Thanks to modern technology and the TuneIn app, I've had the exciting privilege of hearing the first two weeks of this show and am loving it!  It's so fun to hear these songs play on the radio as they should. Anyway, one song that she played yesterday caught my attention and brought me back to the first time I had heard it. I love being reminded of music I had loved yet forgotten. Since she resurrected it for me yesterday, I thought I'd do the same for you today. It really is a great song by a great group and doesn't have nearly the number of views that it deserves. I'm here to right the wrong today. Let's get that count to jump! Here is MFBTY's Sweet Dream...
 


Here's another fun one that maybe you haven't heard. Lunafly released a new song on Aug 4th. Lunafly is one I'm still getting to know, but I am really liking them so far and am happy to help spread the love. This one has English captions available for you if you click on the CC button - a nice feature for those of us who's Korean still isn't where we wish it were ;)


I think that should give you a good assortment of old, new and different for the day. Yes, I know that there are other bigger videos out there right now like BAP and EXO and whatnot, but chances are good that you've already seen them. I wanted to throw a couple of random ones that maybe were missed along the way. Guess I'm just in the "path less taken" kind of mood today. Hope that whatever is left of your Monday is fantastic and that you have a great week! Thanks for stopping by!








* "That reminds me of this story..."
The other day I was talking to a couple of friends that are non-addicKts.  They were asking me about this blog and dramas and KPop in general.  One question honestly left me completely void of an answer.  This friend asked me, "what will you do if you ever stop watching these shows?"  Huh?  I was puzzled.  Stop watching?  Why in tarnation would I do something crazy like that?  "Well, what if one year they just weren't any good?"  Okay, obviously you are speaking crazy talk and just don't understand what you're saying here.  I get it - I do, but.... ???  A whole entire year without a good drama?  What do you think this is???  American TV?  *oooh -slam!*  First, that would never happen.  Second, even if it did, uhm, have you seen my "to-watch" list?  It is crazy long and grows longer by the day because there just aren't enough hours in the day to make up for all this time lost.  I was honestly dumbfounded and absolutely without a reply other than, "I don't know because that would just never happen".  I'm sure she looked at me like the fool in that scenario, but she just didn't know that it's too preposterous of an idea to even ponder.  We know, don't we, the absolute zero chance of that day ever coming where there just isn't anything left to watch?  I mean, come on now.  That's like one of the most ridiculous and unlikely events to ever take place.  Silly friend.  *Pats head while cooing at her sweet innocence*  Anyway, just thought I'd share with someone who would understand my blank response.  It's not often I am at a loss for words - kudos to her for finding such a moment.