Kmuse Top 5 Kdrama Countdown - Favorite Stalker Edition

I actually sat down with my daughters this week and had the "what is attractive, and hot in a kdrama is not what you want in real life, so don't date a stalker" talk.  So this is the perfect topic for this weeks countdown. Who doesn't love a good Korean style stalking?  It is almost a staple in the Kdrama wheelhouse that when you have a pining hottie, you of course have to go into stalk mode, because communication and healthy interaction is just too mainstream to be effective. So with that in mind, let's countdown the top kdrama stalkers that, while we may have a few reservations now and then we love them anyway. 

#5 Kang Seo Wool - What Happens to My Family

Coming in at #5 is the plucky country bumpkin, Kang Seo Wool, who travels to Seoul 12 years after meeting her soul mate in order to hunt him down for a wedding.   Seo Wool is the baby stalker of my countdown (since she is very openly pursuing her future husband) but the fact that she sneakily found out his address, followed him to his house, introducing herself as the "fiancee", and later lived in his rooftop apartment unknown to the other members of the household, earns her stalker level. 

#4 Kim Ha Ni - Surplus Princess

Surplus Princess is the latest drama in a long line of amazing TvN romantic comedies where we have our heroine (mermaid turned human Kim Ha-Ni) actively stalking one of the leading men (Song Jae Rim).  Ha Ni falls in love with human chef, Kwon Shi Kyung, from his social media accounts and certain that it is "true love" chooses to take her stalking to the next level and magically acquire legs to further her pursuit.  Things so far have not panned out, but her continued surprise kiss attacks and constant presence wherever he is, are bound to produce a positive outcome.  RIGHT????  Please say it works out for our poor horny heroine or I will be so sad.

#3 Harry - I Miss You

I am so torn about this character since  he was, by far,  my favorite part of this drama.  Poor thing, so hot, yet so messed up because of his father's abuse.  Was Harry a mentally damaged, control freak, almost psychopathic, stalker extraordinaire?  Yes, but he just needed the love of a good woman and all would have been OK (I refuse to accept he was totally nonredeemable). Which is why he was so intent on watching and training Soo Yeon to be dependent on his love.  What else is a poor stalker supposed to do?  This is the 2nd week in a row that Yoo Seung Ho had been featured on my countdown, so obviously my brain is starting to get excited for his release from the military.  Let's hope that we can see him stalking our TV screens in the new year.

#2 John Lee/Lee Yoon Sung - City Hunter

 Lee Min Ho was actually one of my first experiences with the romantic kdrama style of stalking.  His intense portrayal of revenge/justice vigilante Yoon Sung caught my eye and heart.  It was not until I really started dissecting the drama logically that I realized that some of the "romantic" things he did could be considered a little in the stalkerish zone.  Although who doesn't want a guy to buy their building, lurk outside the house at all hours, stare at you from a car as you ride the bus, etc. etc. At least as long as they are hot and have a crazier stalker father that makes them look sane in comparison.

#1 Jo Min Hyuk - Secret

Oh Jo Min Hyuk (Ji Sung - Protect the Boss), you looked at the stalker line that was drawn in sand, erased it, and put it 5 inches away from your victim love.....and THEN you crossed it.  It is that extreme stalker crazy that makes you #1 on my all time favorite stalker list.  Beginning as an obsessive need for revenge Min Hyuk relentlessly stalks Kang Yoo Jung (Hwang Jung-Eum- Endless Love) and then somehow (I am declaring it a weird reverse case of Stockholm syndrome) falls in love with the woman he thinks murdered his girlfriend and unborn baby.  Sometimes crazy, sometimes romantic, yet always a stalker, Min Hyuk cuts a khottie swath through the social norms and makes us cheer for this unlikely couple

This concludes the list of my favorite stalkers.  Is yours on the list, or did I miss it in all the options that were available.  Feel free to tell us your #1 stalker in the comments or on our FB page where we post updates on kpop, kdramas, and have fun krelated discussions. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-crazy-ahjummas/336988683021748?fref=ts 

Kmuse Top 5 Kdrama Countdown - Most Memorable Fashion

Whether it is good or bad we all focus in on the wardrobes and style (hair & makeup) while watching a drama.  We discuss it with other kdrama enthusiasts ( I made the mistake of trying to explain the many male hairstyles and their significance to a non kdrama friend.  I received some very very weird looks, so now I usually just discuss with others who understand my obsession) and squee at mid-drama hairstyle changes.  So come join me as I countdown the good and the bad of drama fashion.  Also, as usual, feel free to let us know your favorites that I might have missed in the comments or topics for future top 5's.  We at TCA love hearing from the readers.

#5 The Night Watchman's Journal

Oh Night Watchman's Journal, you are as crazy with your fashion as you are with your plot line.  All in all we love you, but sometimes you just don't make sense.  This is the case with several characters (we will never forget the dream induced outfit that SiDam wore during the sacrificial ceremony in episode 1) but the one that drives me crazy is the Pocahontas themed mini skirt of our leading lady Do Ha.  Why?  Why are you going around with your midriff peaking out and your skirt high up your leg?  Even for a fusion Saguek it just does not make sense.  You might give the excuse, "Kmuse, it is the outfit of her tribe." to which I reply.............are you kidding me?  No one else (including her sister) was sporting that much leg so how could this be a traditional dress.  And why does it look like an outfit you would see a hostess at an Indian Casino Bar wearing?  And even though I was not a fan of the Pocahontas dress, I did not wish the ugly outfit she replaced it with.  Her pants and shirt combo are ill fitting and make her look kind of frumpy.  Not a look you really want your leading lady to have.  I guess we will have to leave it to Jung Il Woo to be the fashionista of the drama.

#4 Winter the Wind Blows

When I could take my attention away from Jo In Sung's beautiful face, my eye was caught by his extremely stylish wardrobe.  Full of textured sweaters, colorful coats, and my all time favorite use of suspenders, he brought an old world charm into a modern drama.

#3 Secret Garden

Anyone who has watched this drama, and even many of those that have not, probably know why Joo Won's wardrobe made it on to my memorable fashion list.  Unfortunately, it was not for good fashion, but for a series of truly horribly beaded tracksuits.  These clothes will be imprinted in your mind after watching the drama, and you will now understand the many inside jokes in other dramas (Flower Boy Ramyun Shop, Greatest Love).  One of my favorite moments from the whole show was when the lead, Joo Won, found that his tracksuit was being used by the promoters of a hostess bar.  Truly a fun and ridiculous fashion.

#2 City Hunter

For a show about revenge, murder, and intrigue, there sure was a whole lot of fashion going on with the male lead.  Most of my time was spent ogling Lee Min Ho in his tight pink pants and those deep, deep, deep, V t-shirts.  What cracked me up the most was the fact that he wore this sexy chest showing clothing to work (the Blue House, no less) and even acted like all that naked chest was completely normal.  Why can't my workplace be like that......on second thought, I would hate to see most of the men I know showing more cleavage then me. 

#1 Lee Joon Gi

I have yet to see Lee Joon Gi look unfashionable in anything he has done.  Whether it is Sageuk (historical) or a modern drama, he makes his clothes his own and owns his style.  That is why Lee Joon Gi has earned his place on the most memorable fashion list.  If I had to pick my favorite it would have to be the many styles from his most recent drama "The Joseon Gunman".  While the drama itself lost some of its luster, Lee Joon Gi shined from start to finish in his suits and vigilante garb.

Honorable Mentions 

The following were also fashion that came to mind but just did not hit my top 5.  But since they are so distinctive I thought they deserved a quick mention.

Yoo Seung Ho's Mane of Glory

I consider Yoo Seung Ho to be one of the best actors (only 6 more months til he is out of military!) and always a memorable leader of fashion.  But one of his best features, is the fact that he can really rock the sageuk "mane of glory".  As the hot genius assassin in Warrior Baek Dong Soo or as the Jade Emperor (totally stole the show with his scenes) in Arang and the Magistrate, his hair was truly something to behold.  Let's hope that Yoo Seung Ho and his hair have a long career ahead of him upon his release.

Hotel King

Lee Da Hae was the queen of bringing high fashion to the small screen as her character Ah Mo-Ne worked her way through same crazy wardrobe changes.  I remember rolling my eyes at the start of the drama, but by the finale I was sad to see Mo Ne and her memorable style go.

This concludes my Fashion countdown.  Unfortunately there are so many looks that could be discussed but only a limited amount of time to blog.  I am also hoping to be doing another recap soon if any of the new dramas coming out tickle my fancy.  So be sure to check back soon.

Follow us on Facebook for info on all our newest recaps, posts and to join in our kdrama discussions. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-crazy-ahjummas/336988683021748?fref=ts 

Happy birthday Lee Min Ho and Jung Yong Hwa!

So, technically it is still the 21st where we are, but back in Korea, it's the 22nd of June and the birthday of two of our favorite guys - Lee Min Ho and Jung Yong Hwa.  While normally we here on TCA wait until the day has arrived here in our neck of the woods to wish our favorites a happy birthday, tomorrow is a big review day for us and we don't want these two lovely young men to be overshadowed or lost in the fray.  They deserve a post and a day all their own, so here we go, celebrating it while they celebrate it!

We loved Lee Min Ho in Boys Over Flowers as the spoiled rich brat turned debonair heartthrob, Gu Jun Pyo.  

He was swoon-worthy in Personal Taste as architect Jeon Jin Ho (and who can EVER erase the memory of the "Game Over" kiss from our minds?!?!  One of the best drama kisses in history!).  

Then there was City Hunter.  Oh City Hunter.  The drama that forever sealed him as Lee Min HoTTie!  At least for this ahjumma  noona.  

Jung Yong Hwa captured our hearts and ears as poor, poor Shin Woo in You're Beautiful.  Sweet Shin Woo who can't get the girl despite what has to be the cutest stalker date ever.  The ultimate example of "nice guys finish second".  Shin Woo will always be synonymous with the 2nd male lead character who should have gotten the girl (sorry Jang Geun Suk - but it's true.  I still love you though.  No hard feelings?).  I felt so bad for Shin Woo that I watched Heartstrings just to see Jung Yong Hwa's character finally get the girl and mend my broken, sympathetic heart.

While watching Heartstrings, I, just like Unnie, fell in love with Yong Hwa's beautiful, crooning voice.  As the leader, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of real-life band, CNBLUE, Jung Yong Hwa has shown that he is multi-talented and can do whatever he sets his sights on, whether it be capturing our hearts as a drama star or performing his own unique music as a musician.

Or to hear it all, visit their official You Tube channel.

So, to two of our favorite guys, we wish a very happy 23rd and 25th birthday!  Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our entertainment!  We look forward to many more years spent ogling drooling over enjoying your entertaining offerings.

Saeng-il chuka hamnida!  Lee Min Ho and Jung Yong Hwa fighting!
생일 축하합니다!

Love,
Dongsaeng and Unnie

{P.S.  In case you missed it the first time around, Unnie did a little write up of both of these guys in her "Oppa Krazy" post.  She also featured CNBlue and Jung Yong Hwa in her very first TCA post here.  You can see that she is obviously a devoted fan!  Even I, Dongsaeng, have jumped on the fandom train in the past as witnessed here in a post originally done on my personal private blog where I talk about City Hunter to a bunch of people that I love but who couldn't care less about Lee Min Ho or his amazing talents.  Boy!  Are they ever missing out!}

pre-my addicKtion post about City Hunter 11/10/11

*Originally posted on dongsaeng's personal private blog on 11/10/11*

Lots of folks these days are doing daily lists of what they are thankful for. I kind of wish I was too, but I didn't want to be too much of a follower, so I'm only doing it in my head. You'll just have to guess at what is on my list.

I'll give you one. And I didn't want to say any more on this subject because I don't want to be labeled as too much of a total random dork, but too late for that and I really want to talk about this so here it goes. I am thankful for City Hunter. There I admitted it. I am thankful for a Korean drama called City Hunter. I finished watching it a week or so ago and I really, really wish I had someone to talk to about it. It was just so good. Except for the last episode, but it's a Korean drama and you kind of come to expect the last episode to stink. For reals. It will never cease to amaze me how they can do 19 amazing episodes and then #20 falls flat and leaves you wanting. I mean, there wasn't even a kiss! Grr. But seriously, it was probably the best show I've ever seen. Okay, that might be stretching it, but it was beautiful. The filmography (including fight scenes of all things! I HATE fight scenes!) literally stole my breath in parts. And I don't normally notice stuff like that. Though maybe I don't notice stuff like that because most of what we watch doesn't even have stuff like that. The art is gone from the art of filmmaking, unless you want to see a totally inappropriate and raunchy artsy movie that's going to most likely be rated MA. Why do they do that? Why can't art be just that, art? Why ruin it with garbage and make it all edgy and stuff? It's like smearing poop on a Michelangelo just to be all controversial and junk. What a waste. Anyway, this was beautiful and powerful and shocking but clean and wonderful and I just really wish I could talk to somebody about it before I lose my mind. Imagine you had a show you were totally in to but no one you knew had ever even heard of it. It's frustrating. That is the major drawback to my "hobby" - you're not going to be standing around the proverbial water cooler discussing Lee Min Ho or Hero Jaejoong. Ever. It's a sad and lonely world when you break from the pack. Granted, there is always the online community, but sometimes you just want a real for real person to talk to, not some random stranger. I'm not a super crazed fan or anything, I just appreciate a good story. It really is the perfect format as far as I'm concerned. A lot longer and more in-depth than a movie, but a lot shorter than a TV series that runs for years. You get a good in-depth story and a resolution all in one. I guess the closest thing I could compare it to would be a mini-series, but way less cheesy. Kind of. It really is a wonderful thing, but you'll just have to take my word for it I guess because I don't think I'm getting any converts anytime soon. *Insert Eeyore like sigh here and even throw in an "oh well" for good measure*.

Yes. That's right. I just spent about 37 sentences discussing Korean television. Ha! Wow, what a dork. You probably all left somewhere around sentence #3 and so now I'm speaking to an empty room. That's okay. I understand. I'll get over it. I would totally do the same thing in your position if you started talking about, oh I don't know, American freaking Idol or something of the like. I'd probably also start banging my head against the wall, begging you to stop. See, I totally get where you're coming from. It's all good. We can just agree to disagree even though I'm totally right in this case and you just don't know it yet because you haven't given it a shot. Haha. Hopefully you know I'm joking. If you don't, well then, we need to spend some more time together so that you can get to know me better and vice versa. You see, this entire post is tongue-in-cheek (okay, except for the part about City Hunter - I really did love it). I trend towards the sarcastic or snarky side every once in a while. It's my hair. What can I do? I was born this way. My hair determines my personality for better or for worse (and when you're a 'ginger' apparently it's more worse than better, or so I'm told). Which brings up another point... what's up with that term 'ginger' anyway? Have you seen ginger? It's yellow. Bright yellow. I don't get it. Maybe I'm just slow. Maybe I should try dying it. My hair, not ginger. If I were a brunette would I be less sarcastic and snarky? Hmm...I oughta give that one a try some day. Of course then I would get yelled at because apparently I'm the one person on the face of the earth who isn't allowed to do anything to my hair without prior approval from someone. Everyone has a vested interest in the dead cells on my head. Really. I get interesting responses from people who will remain nameless (they know who they are) anytime I even contemplate a big change. I once did a temporary dye and wow! I guess I should be grateful that so many people care so very much about my head.

Okay, I'm really walking down a winding path. I could go on all night like this but I'm done for now. I've said my piece and I'd like to go to bed. Plus now Husband is here in the room and thinks that he needs some attention too. Silly boy. I have enjoyed our conversation. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to me ramble. I may be quiet on the outside but crack me open and watch out! You have no idea the amount of crazy that can come spilling out. This is just a small sampling. Now maybe you have a better idea as to why I think my husband a saint for putting up with me. He'd tell you that all of this is totally normal and usually occurs this time of night when he's trying to sleep and I'm, shall we say, decompressing. He's a doll and I adore him. Now, for reals, I'm signing off. Thanks for the chat.

***Editor's Note: What you just witnessed here is what I would like to call a mind dump. Or better yet, a mind flush. Picture if you will a toilet. The toilet represents a mind's day. That toilet fills with "stuff" - thoughts/feelings/emotions/whatnots. You can't just leave all that "stuff" there now can you? It would fester and start to smell and then you'd end up with some awful 3rd world disease caused by festering "stuff". So what do you do? You flush it all away. If you came out of that feeling a little dizzy, that's normal. That is caused by the swirling vortex of "stuff" circling the drain on its way out. I apologize for any nausea or disorientation.***