Top 5 Kdrama Countdown - April Week 1: Khottie Edition

This weeks countdown is being dedicated to something that makes kdramas so engaging, addicting, and worth watching.  Of course I am talking about the massive amount of hot guys that are cast as the leading men.  There is nothing better then being able to fawn over a good actor and his amazing looks at the same time.  Now I know that I am watching a huge amount of dramas, and there are an insane amount of khotties within all those dramas.  That said, I tried to pick the one's that have actually engaged me with their performances and not just the fact that they are attractive.  If your favorite is not on my list, feel free to let us know who he is in the comment section.  I only have time to pick out five today, but I know there is an infinite amount of khotties to choose from.

Song of The Week

CNBLUE - Truth

We have a whole band full of Khotties in our musician of the week since when you think of hot musicians CNBLUE should be at the top of the list.  They came out with their 2nd song off their current album and I personally like this one a lot better then their first one.  I like CNBLUE the best when they have that peppy fast beat and an MV with lots of close ups and it just so happens that this MV delivered the hot closeups in spades.  It is even enough to distract me from their Engrish in the chorus.

#5Yoo Joon Soo (Lee Won Geum - Moon Embracing the Sun, Passionate Love)

This kids smile is infectious and I can honestly say that I have never seen a khottie who's smile literally lights up his face.  His character in Wild Chives and Soy Bean Soup is the perfect package, handsome, smart, kind, and all around happy with (at least so far) no huge emotional issues.  He also shows signs of being adept in more serious scenes so I am kind of excited to see him deal with the romantic fallout that we know is coming.  If you like family dramas then I would highly suggest starting this one since it is well paced and has a superb cast.

#4 Red Headed Hottie from Empress Ki, also known as Tal Tal (Jin Lee Han)

I am embarrassed to admit that I seriously did not know the characters name until I was forced to look it up for this blog post.  To me and my friends whom I discuss this drama with, he has always been the redhead hottie who wears black.  He is also a balm to my poor soul, as politics and just the crazy behavior of royalty, make the two leading men more and more "eh" for me.  You know he is a good character when you kind of wish the leading lady would ditch both of the other men and hook up with the supporting character.  (I know his hair looks brown, but when he is not in a dark set it has really red tints hence the nickname.)

#3 Kang Dong Hee (TaecYeon - Who Are You, Dream High)

I am just going to come out and say it, TaecYeon is not really a great actor.  The poor boy has his limits.  That said I will clarify that although he can't emote, he still is a very entertaining actor and sometimes that is what a drama needs.  His character Kang Dong Hee (Wonderful Days) is the family black sheep/thug who always is getting into trouble with his quick temper and inferiority issues.  But I can't help but love him despite his serious character flaws.  This week we see him get angry (AGAIN) and he stomps off like a five year old, running away from home..... All the way to the end of the street where he sets up a tent to live in protest.  I love how his first night "away from home" he keeps staring at his phone and wondering why no one is calling.  "Don't they realize I am gone?" he says to the silent phone.  HAHAHA  And as an added bonus of his being cast, we get wonderful scenes like this one in the sauna.  Thank goodness for Khotties and their need to have the perfect abs.

#2 The Men of Inspiring Generation

So I am dedicating my #2 spot to the whole male cast of Inspiring Generation, because lets just all admit that they are the sexiest thing to come to historical kdramas in a long long time.  Seriously there are so many khotties in this show that it is almost impossible to choose a favorite (although Mo Il Hwa pulls slightly ahead on my bias list).  So I am weepy eyed and saying a sad farewell to this drama and its insanely hot cast.  You will be missed and most likely rewatched many times in the future.

Mo Il-Hwa & Jung Jae Hwa bromance fight clip.  (I about died when Jung Jae Hwa winked in the middle of his fight.)

#1 Ki Dong Chan (Jo Seung Woo - Horse Doctor)

When I decided to do a Khottie theme for this weeks countdown, there really was no question as to who my #1 pick was going to be.  Jo Seung Woo is AMAZING.  His acting is effortless and he drags you into his character Dong Chan (Gods Gift - 14 Days) so quickly, that before you know it you are actively praying for the leading ladies marriage to dissolve so he can step in.  He has a lot of baggage but he plays this complex character (ex-cop, brother of a serial killer, disappointing son, and white knight) to the 9th degree.  He outdid himself this week as he serenaded (YES HE CAN SING TOO!) the little girl at the lakeside.  It was a beautiful scene and probably one of the prettiest cinematic moments to be released recently.  And then in a complete switch we also had an amazing fight scene on a rickety roof top in the rain.  If you are not already watching Gods Gift 14 Days then start ASAP since he is definitely worth watching.

Lakeside Serenade Clip

Rooftop Fight Scene (starts about 2 min in)

And this concludes my tribute to the Khottie.  I hope they are bringing as much enjoyment to you as they are for me.  Also be sure to check in next week as we have a lot of new dramas airing (Hotel King, Fall In Love With Me) and hopefully making it onto my countdown.  I will also be adding new recaps (Witch's Romance & Gap Dong) this week if the dramas end up being as good as they look.  Have a great week and as usual if you have any questions about any of the dramas I watch (where you can find subs, times, etc.) be sure to ask in the comments.  I always love hearing feedback from my readers.

Sincerely,
Kmuse


Dramas that I am currently watching:
Potato Star 2013QR23
Ruby's Ring (counting it as a currently airing drama since it had never been subbed til now)
A Well Raised Daughter
Bride of the Century
Sly and Cunning Lady
Hotel King
Angel Eyes (maybe going to watch)
Fall In Love With Me (Tdrama)
Witch's Romance
Gap Dong
A Secret Love Affair
Empress Ki
Inspiring Generation (last episodes)
Emergency Couple (last episodes)
Beyond the Clouds/Full Sun
Ghost Seeing Detective CheoYong
Wonderful Days 
Three Days (have put on hold, just not grabbing me)
Cubic - Thailand Drama
God's Gift: 14 Days
Wild Chives and Soy Bean Soup: 12 Years Reunion
Sweet Sweet Bodyguard (Tdrama)

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Top 5 Kdrama Countdown - March Week 2

It is the the week of new dramas as we are flooded with all the newly started spring shows.  But don't worry since we have some veterans also coming in strong as a surprise show steals away the #1 spot from all the dramas.  Come check out what you have missed this week in Kmuse's Top 5 Kdrama Countdown.

Song of The Week - TROY "Green Light"

This song is my new addiction.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.  This is TROY's debut song and with the wonderful jazz mixed with strong rap vibes it makes you want to listen to it over and over. Not to mention that all four members are truly charismatic and attractive.  It is also a nice change that they are all older than your usual newbies so you don't have to feel like a pedanoona if you think they are hot.  So be sure to check out their song "Green Light" and support this talented new group.

#5 Reunited

Our #5 spot is the debut of the drama Wonderful Days on our countdown.  Kang Dong Suk (Lee Seo Jin - Grandpa's Over Flowers, Gye-Bae) and Cha Hae-Won (Kim Hee Seon - Faith) are high school sweethearts that never had their happily ever after due to social conflicts and poverty.  Fast forward fifteen years later and Dong Suk returns to his hometown a rich prosecutor.  And in a twist of kdrama fate, Hae Won's family lost all their money and she is forced to be a money collector for a local loan shark.  They have a powerful scene where they see each other again while Hae Won is fighting with his younger brother over money.  This drama is a subtle but poignant drama about past love and family, it does not shove the plot in your face and instead lets the natural flaws of the characters to shine and move the plot along.  Be sure to check it out if you are a fan of the family drama.

Reunited Clip (you might need to switch to youtube to watch the link)

#4 The Horse in the Garage 

Potato Star is known for its off the wall quirky plot lines.  However, they outdid themselves in episode 78 when the family becomes owners of a horse.   No Soo-Dong, the dad of the household, lent his friend money.  And when the mom demands that he be firm and get some payment from his friend, he is talked into taking a horse as collateral.  I suppose that is not to bad except that they live in the middle of the city so there is nowhere too store the horse but in their garage.  HAHAHA  Son, Hongberg falls in love with the horse and begins riding it around the city for all his errands.  And I do mean he rides it around for EVERYTHING, even a trip to buy soy sauce from the market.  This stand alone episode was truly amusing and endeared this quirky family to the viewers.  You have to love a drama where logic is made up to suit the story and is not afraid to be silly.

Bringing the Report to the Office Clip

#3 Finally Talk Emotions

Sly and Cunning Lady has been an up and down mix of humor and serious issues that sometimes leaves the viewer unsure of the dramas direction.  While it fails in some of the side characters (the leads parents and some of the coworkers are truly so annoying) it really hits when dealing with the leads and the brother/sister B love interest storyline.  This week we FINALLY see Jung Woo & Ae Ra discuss the issues that ruined their marriage.  I personally really appreciated the addition of this scene since it is hard to want a couple to reunite when all of their problems remain in play.  Although if they had talked more and reacted less then maybe the whole divorce would have been mute to begin with. 
Why We Divorced Clip

#2 Serial Killer Showdown 

If you are not already watching God's Gift 14 Days, then stop reading this blog post and go find it.  This drama is AMAZING!  Extremely complex plots, an explosive leading lady, an emotionally damaged bad boy leading man, and serial killers/conspiracy plots galore make this drama an event.  I could easily make a whole countdown just from this show alone since literally every scene is intense and meaningful (probably should not watch before bed time since it will get you wired emotionally).  In episode 4 we find our heroine, Kim Soo-Hyun (Lee Bo Young - I Hear Your Voice), doing a bit too good of a job hunting down the local serial killer.  Such a good job that she interrupts his second murder and is attacked by him at knife point.  But if you think this inhibits our plucky heroine you would be mistaken.  She attacks him with a pen, stabbing him in his side and scuffling for the knife.  The whole scene was genius and really brought home the fact that our leading lady IS NOT a damsel in distress, but truly scary in her own right. 

Serial Killer Showdown Clip

#1 Hotel Hijinks with Rain and Woo Bin 

I personally am a huge Running Man fan.  You can't help but fall in love with the witty athletic cast, and when they have my favorite actors and musicians on as guests, it just adds to the enjoyment.  This week they had reoccurring guest Kim Woo Bin (Heirs) and international superstar Rain joining them in their Australian adventure.  Searching for sunken treasure and communing with kangaroos and koala's kept the teams busy but the best part of the whole episode came at the end when they were relaxing in their hotel.  Let's just say that when you have a mini swimming pool in your guest sweet and add in eight boys, things are going to get wet.  Watch the following clip and enjoy the hijinks (not to mention Woo Bin looking adorable and sexy.... I swear he has gotten better looking in the last year).

Running Man Pool Clip

I hope you enjoyed this weeks countdown.  If you disagree and think I missed something be sure to let me know in the comments.  Or just tell me what your favorite moments of the week are, always enjoy chatting with other kdrama aficionados.  Also be sure to check out the new drama A Secret Love Affair, that begins this Monday/Tuesday.  I personally am hoping it is good since I love Yoo Ah In and want him to be in a great drama where his talent can be appreciated.  Have a great week catching up on your dramas and I will be back next week with another new countdown.

Sincerely,
Kmuse

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Dramas that I am currently watching:
Potato Star 2013QR23
A Well Raised Daughter
Bride of the Century
Sly and Cunning Lady
Can We Love
A Secret Love Affair
King's Daughter Soo Baek Hyang
Empress Ki
Full House (Thailand version)- can find subs on Viki and Youtube.
Lets Eat
Golden Rainbow
Inspiring Generation
Emergency Couple 
Beyond the Clouds/Full Sun
Ghost Seeing Detective CheoYong
Wonderful Days 
Three Days
God's Gift: 14 Days

Spring KDramas - What you Should be Watching and Which Ones you Should Skip

It's that time again where we check out all the new kdramas that have started airing.  Are they good?  Do they deserve to drift away into oblivion?  Check out my opinions and let me know yours as we go through my latest drama finds.

-Angel's Revenge-

So this was a total failure of a drama, which makes me so sad because it had the awesome premise of a vengeful nun.  However while we had the nun part covered the revenge part (at least at 30 episodes) was sorely lacking.  I seriously do not understand the writers who wrote all (and I do mean all) of the characters so poorly.  Out of the whole cast I only enjoyed watching Seo Ji Suk as the lead and unfortunately he was not enough to keep me watching for 70 more episodes.

Why You Should NOT Watch:
The mentally handicapped character is more intelligent then 99% of the characters in the drama.  When this happens it is not a good sign and you should ditch it and run.  Life is too short to watch stupid dramas.

-Wonderful Days-

Synopsis: Poor boy makes big and returns home 15 years after walking away from his family and first love.  Will he choose money or family in the end?

I just started this drama this week and so far really enjoy it.  Although it has been airing for a few weeks in Korea, the US airings were delayed by two weeks (I am guessing because of some type of airing rights by the producers of the drama) so we are just starting to get into this one.  It is a weekend family drama with a HUGE extended family.  And after two episodes I am still not sure of whose son is whose but it seems to have a really solid cast and story so far.

(The one EXCEPTION is the casting of Lee Elijah from Basketball who is the worst actress to EVER come on a Korean drama.  Seriously she is the #1 worst actress on my list and that is out of every B- lead overacted character in my kdrama watching history.  She should never ever be allowed near a film set again.  EVER!!!)

Sorry, just had bad flashbacks from my Basketball recaps.

Why You Should Watch It: 
Back to the rest of the cast.  They are doing a great job in entertaining me.  I love Lee Seo-Jin (Grandpa's Over Flowers, Gye-Bae) and Kim Hee-Seon (Faith) together and their back story is very interesting as are all the family dynamics.  TaecYeon, who plays the youngest brother, also has a great storyline. I am not sure if I will be thoroughly involved for all 50 episodes but I am willing to give it a try.  Interesting characters plus good actors usually make for a good dramas (as long as the writers don't pull a I Summon You Gold ending).

-Beyond the Clouds-

Synopsis: Jung Se Ro (Yoon Kye Sang -Greatest Love) is wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of Han Young Won's (Han Ji Hye - I Summon You Gold) fiancee.  After being released he seeks revenge against those that framed him and resulted in his father's death.

Pretty much if you combine all of the revenge dramas together and add in a crazier than usual male lead you get Beyond the Clouds.  And since I am a total sucker for revenge dramas I am completely OK with that.  Also really love all the location scenes they did in Thailand, it really added that extra big budget feel to the drama.

Why You Should Watch It:
Beyond the Clouds delivers a full serving of revenge with a side of totally crazy. It is beautifully directed and Yoon Kye Sang is hitting it out of the ballpark with his acting.  I personally would have never guessed that he is this talented of an actor and he is the #1 reason to tune into this drama.  His emotional portrayal of a man who has lost it all including a bit of his sanity is genius and definitely worth the watch.  I will admit that the female lead is just all right for me.  I get a bit annoyed that she is constantly crying, but the fast pace and the male lead more than make up for that shortcoming.

-Cunning Single Lady-

Synopsis: This drama has jumped on the divorced couples reunite train that seems to be so popular in Kdramas this year.  Our OTP married young, but when times got hard (and in their defense they got really really hard) they divorced.  Three years later our heroine discovers that her ex husband made it big right after the divorce and vows to make him pay for her pain and suffering.  After getting a job in his company your regular romantic hijinks occur.

This is one of those dramas that I am enjoying well enough, but it is not really anything to gush about.  It is a very basic romantic comedy plot and is not really pushing the boundaries of the genre.  Lee Min Jung (Big, All About My Romance) is yet again the same character we have seen her play so many times before.  Basically a good girl but with a slightly snarky side, she continues to be typecast.  However it is nice to see Joo Sang Wook in a comedy for once.  Known for his more serious roles in Giant, Team Ten, and Good Doctor, I could just sit and watch him smile and be silly/conniving forever.  Also the supporting cast of L (Masters Sun, Shut Up Flower Boy Band) and Seo Kang Joon (suspicious housekeeper) really help smooth over the stories rough spots.

Why You Should Watch It:
There are some truly funny moments in this drama.  And despite the first episode both character have built in failings and issues that lead to the dissolve of their marriage so you don't really hate either of them.  I enjoy watching each of them try to get the better of the other even though it is obvious that they just want some kind of contact since they are not over each other.  That said, the plot is occasionally patchy but if you can get past that and just enjoy it for what it is, I think you would like this drama.

-Three Days-

Synopsis:  Presidential Bodyguard finds out about an assassination plot towards the president and tries to thwart it.

So far I have to admit that this is the drama that has fallen short of its promise for me (at least as of ep 2).  It obviously has a lot of money going into its production and the visuals are sharp and make me feel like the drama should be intense.  But then I watch it and it loses me.  It is not that it is bad, but it just does not grab my attention the way I wish it would.  There are obviously a lot of things that are going on behind the assassination attempt and I enjoy trying to figure all that out.  But than the actors will suddenly go into a scene where they are explaining every little thing that happened to anyone nearby.  Rather then keeping me involved in the action of the characters I feel like it is pausing every few minutes to tell me what I might have missed.  I guess that I might be overly picky, but to me it just feels like sloppy writing.

Why You Should Watch It:
While the story might have not hooked me yet, I still have hope.  It feels like we should be getting into bigger plots and conspiracy's and I am crossing my fingers that things will suddenly click and I can learn to love it.  Also it has YooChun who I actually really enjoy as an actor.  I was telling my Kbestie that he is actually maturing into a normal person, which I actually like.  I feel like the attractive everyday look might take him farther as an actor then if he stuck with the hot idol vibe.  So in conclusion, an okay drama so far with great visuals and Yoo Chun so of course I will be continuing on.

-Bride of The Century-

I saved my two favorite new dramas for last.  The first is Bride of The Century.  Seriously!  Who knew this one would actually turn out to be kracktasticly awesome.  You can bet I didn't.  I was all ready to throw it into the "watch someday" pile due to its vague synopsis and mediocre visual qualities.  But turns out this story is great, complicated, and highly entertaining and Lee Hong Ki (You're Beautiful) can actually carry his own as a leading man.  

Synopsis - This drama throws everything and the kitchen sink into the plot.  Start with the Prince and the Pauper story, throw in a lot of evil selfish women plotting against each other (but in a great plot movement way), a hero that is half cute boy and half snarky CEO, and a kindhearted yet intelligent heroine, OH.... and don't forget a bride stealing ghost and you just start to scratch the surface of this drama.

Why You Should Watch It:
I am not sure if there is a logical reason as to why you should watch it, but if you do itwill remind you why you fell in love with Kdramas in the first place.  It has every Kdrama cliche and then some thrown into it, yet somehow the writers have managed to gel it altogether around an OTP with fun chemistry.  Their crazy romance just brings a smile to my face and I am so thankful I gave it a chance.

-God's Gift 14 Days-

This drama scares the bajeebies out of me, but in a good way.   Every second of it is filled with intense action, and possible clues to the identity of the daughters killer so you are always on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is going on.

Synopsis:
Kim Soo Hyun (Lee Bo Young- I can Hear Your Voice) fights fate and time as she races to save her daughter from being murdered by a serial Killer.

Why You Should Watch It: This is Lee Bo-Young's best performance by far.  Her portrayal as a desperate mother is mesmerizing.  Add to that top notch writing and a great supporting cast and you have a a winning experience.  I have to admit that there is the chance this show will Jump the Shark (that is always a chance you take with time travel themes) but if it can continue on its path I predict that it is going to be AMAZING.  A must watch.

That completes the first Kdrama overview for the new spring shows.  But never fear, if none of these catch your attention there are still a lot more premiering in the next several weeks.  Of course I will be watching them all to give you my insight on what you should watch next.  Be sure to check back in on Sunday for my Kdrama weekly top 5 countdown where I let you know what the best moments were during the week as well as give more depth into currently airing dramas.  Also if you have a new favorite kdrama be sure to let me know in the comment section.  I always like to hear what others are enjoying.

Sincerely,
Kmuse

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