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.
Welcome to my new segment called Throwback Thursdays. This is where I am going to pick random topics and find the best dramas to suggest. For the most part I am going to avoid suggesting those dramas that most people have watched (unless it is one that has to be mentioned like Secret Garden in today's list). I hope it will be perfect for those of you searching for new stuff to watch but are a bit overwhelmed with how many dramas there are out there. I cant promise that this will come out every Thursday but I am shooting for at least twice a month. If you like a specific genre or are looking for suggestions feel free to message me in the comments and I will work hard on creating a list to fit your needs.
It's that time of year again where people are either blissfully happy in a relationship or cranky and single. Or of course there is the middle group that I fall into, married for a long long time and at the point where I would like a new book than flowers and chocolates. But for those of you looking to increase the romance in your lives and want a drama to commemorate love and all that entails, this is the list for you. I searched my drama lists to find the most epic love stories. Not your every day sweet romance, but those relationships that are fated to be. Not time, comas, amnesia, nor death itself is going to keep these OTPs (One True Pairing) apart.
Moon Embracing the Sun
You can't have a romantic couple list and leave this drama off it. Moon Embracing the Sun pulled in some amazing ratings when it aired in 2011/2012 and it was all because of its fated love story. Synopsis:
Prince Lee Hwon falls in love with Heo Yeon Woo when he is a teenager. Although they become engaged/married court politics create a situation which results in her poisoning and fake death (which resulted in her having amnesia) and the lovers are torn apart. Forced to marry another (although he stays celibate and true to his dead love.... Now that is devotion) Lee Hwon becomes king and battles against the same factions that killed his love. Reunited years later Yeon Woo (now a shaman who goes by the name Wol) returns to the palace still minus memories. This then starts their story of overcoming trials to find each other again. Why You Should Watch It:
One of the things I liked best about this drama is that it was not based on real historical people (which if you watch Sageuk's, you would know that a lot of time writers make up romances that never really occurred so they have to kill off couples or split them up to be historically accurate.) The younger and older cast were all amazing, with the younger cast being so good that most people actually felt bereft when they grew up. But never fear for Kim Soo Hyun (My Love From Another Star) plays the older version of the prince/king and he owns this drama. His epic love for his (thought to be deceased first love) was so pure and touching that he pulled the audience along every step of the way. If you are looking for a great story with characters that you can cry with then this is your drama. Also if you are searching for a drama to get your friends hooked into the kdrama world, this is also a good choice. It is simple themes and easy to follow characters. Just one last note, the OST (Original Sound Track) for this drama is so good. Every time their main song comes on I still get a bit misty just remembering how I felt when I watched this drama.
Secret Garden
I think that Secret Garden is on most kdrama fans "must watch" list. It is one of those that has every kdrama cliche and then some, however it still hooks you in with its zany hijinks and even crazier romance. Synopsis:
Quirky egotistical CEO Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin - Snow Queen) meets poor stuntwoman Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won - King 2 Hearts, Empress Ki) and becomes infatuated, much to his dismay. They must overcome their social differences to find love. Add in a huge dose of WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING body switching (yes this drama pulls a freaky friday) and you really have a fun busy romantic comedy. Why You Should Watch It:
I will admit that the writers shoved a HUGE amount of stuff into this drama. However, even though there are plot holes (don't go into this drama expecting everything to make sense. Just pretend it is a magic trick and accept it for what it is.) it maintains a fun tone through the whole drama even while the characters are dealing with serious life changing decisions. I also like the pacing of the main couple who go back and forth trying to see things from each others point of view (especially once fate literally forces them to walk in each others shoes). I also found it amusing that I went into the drama thinking that Hyun Bin was just so so in a skinny guy type of way, but by the end of the show I was totally in love with him. He and his character really grow on you and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Queen In Hyun's Man
I was not expecting to really be into this drama but the great story and chemistry between the leads (turned out they were actually & still are dating in real life) shot it up to the top of my kromance list. The leading lady is usually a B lead actress Yoo In Na (Greatest Love, My Love From Another Star) and I was not really looking for much as she jumped to a lead role. And I had only seen the leading man Ji Hyun Woo (Invincible Lee Pyung Kang) in one or two other things and had mostly forgotten him. But I guess the write role and co-actor really made all the difference. Synopsis
Kim Boong Do is a scholar who is in support of the return of exiled Queen In Hyun. He is given a magical talisman which allows him to transport 300 years into the future if he is ever about to be killed. Enter actress Choi Hee Jin who is playing Queen In Hyun in a TV drama. She helps him figure his way around modern Seoul and around the archives which allow him to change history for his cause in his favor. They develop a romance but is fate going to allow these two to be together? Why You Should Watch It:
I love that they are very up front about liking each other. There are none of the usual hurdles to overcome (except for the one big 300 years apart one). I also really enjoy how smart the leading man is. He does not let his circumstances overwhelm him but quickly stratagizes on how best to use this chance fate has handed him. For example he uses modern transportation to travel hundreds of miles then pops back into the past moving around distances that would usually take him weeks to travel. By doing this he was literally able to make people think he was in two places at once. This is a sweet romantic comedy that has hidden depths and is perfect for the person who wants to watch a drama without having to cry all the time.
Directors Cut Steamy Ending (SPOILERISH) Clip
Innocent Man (Nice Guy)
I could not resist adding this drama to the list. Yes I know that it is not really a traditional romance, but no one can deny that these two people go to hell and back before finding happiness with each other. Synopsis:
Ma Roo (Song Joong Ki - Sungkyunkwan Scandal) is your boy next door nice guy. He is studying to become a doctor and has a childhood sweetheart that he loves completely. Han Jae-Hee, his childhood sweetheart, accidentally kills someone and he takes the blame for the death in her stead. Needless to say she does not remain faithful to him and while he is rotting in prison she marries up in the world. Discarded and without any career after leaving prison, he turns to selling himself as a gigolo to earn money for his sisters medical bills. When he meets Jae Hee again events occur that send him on a quest for revenge. He uses Jae Hee's grown step-daughter, Seo Eun-Gi (Moon Chae Won- Good Doctor) as means to enact that revenge however, while he was using Eun Gi he falls in love with her. Why You Should Watch It: The main reasons you should watch this drama is for the two lead actors. They are not just your average (I'm pretty so my acting does not matter as much) couple, Song Joong Ki and Moon Chae Won can seriously act. She is one of my top three favorite kactresses and can emote better then any other female that I have seen to date. She can play vulnerable and hard with ease and it is so enjoyable to watch an actress that is more then just a pretty face. And he is beyond amazing. If you have ever watched any of his films (werewolf boy) then you would understand what I am talking about. I can't wait til he is back from his military service and be back on my TV. They totally have me biting my fingernails as I watch them play each other in an effort to survive, love each other, and get revenge. Even though each do some seriously messed up things I am a cheering for them to the end.
This concludes my very first Throwback Thursday. Hope this has helped you decide on what to do with you valentines day. I personally can not even think of a better time then dramathoning one of these dramas on Friday (although don't tell my husband that. You never know maybe he will be romantic and buy me that book I have been eying.). Remember if you have any favorite genre's or themes that you want to see in upcoming posts just leave me a quick message in the comments. I always like helping fellow addicts feed their kaddiction.
A very happy birthday to our very favorite leading lady, Ha Ji Won!
We, Unnie and Dongsaeng, first met her in Secret Garden as the tough and loveable stuntwoman, Gil Ra Im. She dazzled us with her acting chops and talent right off the bat. She was no-nonsense, yet could be adorable and sweet. It was love at first sight with this actress for us.
The love continued as we watched her in The King 2 Hearts, where she played tough and loveable North Korean trained assassin-turned South Korean princess/queen (what exactly was her title when she married the king?), Kim Hang Ah. Again, she showed great range as she could be scary and fragile at the same time.
And these are just two of her roles. She has a long list of successes and awards. These are the two that we have seen so far. They certainly won't be the last for us though as she tops both of our lists as our favorite actress. And just think of where those lips have gone?! Lee Seung Gi and Hyun Bin?! That's one lucky gal right there! She's like our hero for that alone! ^.^
Ha Ji Won - thank you for your hard work and dedication. You are a joy to watch and we just adore you! We hope that your birthday is wonderful and filled with love. We look forward to following your career in the future!
Love,
The Crazy Ahjummas
Unnie and Dongsaeng
Now....
A question for you, our readers...
This was asked on our Facebook page (and we would LOVE it if you would answer it there too). We'd do a poll here, but with the new format, that's not supported, so we'll just ask and hope that comments come flowing in.
The question?
What Do You Want to See More of on TCA?
K-Drama Reviews
Eye Candy Talk
Ahjumma Articles (Unnie's Wednesday Write Up and Monday Morning Therapy with Dongsaeng)
K-Pop Reviews or
All of the Above (you love us just as we are with the mix we already have)
We want to write about the things that you like, so share with us what you like. Your opinions matter. We really do aim to please. We're still getting our feet wet and trying to find a stride that works for not only us, but for you, our readers, as well. After all, this wouldn't be much fun if we were writing what we liked but no one was reading it. It's all about you. You matter. You count. We are nothing without each of you. So let us know what you enjoy so we can keep it coming. ^-^
*Originally posted on dongsaeng's personal private blog on 3/7/12*
I started this one when they were 10 episodes in, thinking that it had enough of a jump start ahead of me that I wouldn't have to wait for new episodes. I hate waiting for new episodes.
Drama Education Moment: Korean dramas will usually air 2 episodes per week and are, on average, 16 episodes (or 8 weeks) long. Add in about another day for subtitles to be added, and it can become quite the waiting game. My fellow drama addicts can attest to the experience of watching the status of the subtitles all day long as it inches closer and closer to the magical 100% completion mark. Of course, some of us have become too impatient and will usually consider somewhere around the 97% mark close enough. We figure we can usually fill in the gaps with what little Korean we understand and context.
Well, my assumption was wrong. I was instantly hooked on this drama and watched those first episodes a lot faster than originally anticipated. Darn it all! Towards the end I did manage to pace myself (with considerable help from Dream High, but more on that later) and ended up only having to wait a week between episode 14 and the concluding 15 & 16. I'm telling you, waiting is hard and one should go to any lengths to avoid it. Anywho, waiting complaints aside, I really enjoyed this drama. It was funny. It was suspenseful. It was romantic. The side characters of Eun Jae's best friend, Kim Dong Ah and the baseball manager, Kim Tae Han were so incredibly hilarious and quirky. And of course, I love anything with Lee Dong Wook. He's one awesome leading man. I first saw him in Scent of a Woman (another great one by the way) and was somewhat hooked, but this drama sealed it for me - he's awesome. I didn't care for the leading lady's look (the hair was awful), but nonetheless, appearances aside, she did an amazing job as well as a tough but pathetic bodyguard to a man she initially hates, if for no other reason than he plays for her favorite team's rival. I won't give a whole synopsis of the drama, but I will just tell you that Eun Jae is Mu Yool's bodyguard because he has a stalker that has been sending him threats and attempted to poison him. There's an ex-girlfriend thrown into the mix as well as a best friend and his wife. This drama apparently didn't do too well in ratings, which is sad because I found it to be entertaining through most, if not all, of the episodes. Maybe once my repertoire is built up a little more I'll feel differently, but as for now, I declare this one a winner.
Dream High starring
Suzy as Go Hye Mi
Kim Soo Hyun as Song Sam Dong
Taecyeon as Jin Gook/Hyun Shi Hyuk
Ham Eun Jung as Yoon Baek Hee
Wooyoung as Jason
IU as Kim Pil Sook
What can I say about Dream High? It was a immensely fun ride filled with song and laughter and general happy feelings. Think High School Musical meets Glee meets Save the Last Dance. I watched this the week I was ill and bedridden while I waited for new episodes of Wild Romance. If you have to be sick in bed, Dream High is a wonderful companion to help you through the long hours of boredom and misery. The show starts out in the future at the 2018 Grammy Awards in LA. "Singer K" is the first ever Korean performer anticipated to win a Grammy Award. It then goes back to the present day and the Kirin Art School where 6 musicians' stories are followed. As the viewer you understand that one of these 6 will become the mysterious "Singer K" but have no idea who it is. The main female lead, Hye Mi, is a classically trained singer (you know, opera and the like) whose father falls on hard times financially and flees the country, leaving Hye Mi and her younger sister not only homeless and fending for themselves, but also on the hook for their dear ol' daddy's debts. As in they have loan sharks literally chasing them. She ends up making a deal with the loan shark that she'll give up her Julliard plans in lieu of training at a local art school that is famous for creating pop sensations and basically he'll collect the cash when she becomes rich and famous (this is where the Save the Last Dance analogy comes in by the way - classically trained girl has to give up her dream due to circumstances and finds joy in the popular, mainstream world of music that she initially looked down upon). The story continues from there and of course there's a love quadrangle (Hye Mi has two guys after her and a frenemy who is in love with one of them). I loved the complexity of the characters. Sometimes you get a character that is either seemingly flawless or pure evil. Not here. They are all flawed. But they all have redeeming qualities. You don't hate any of them. And you believe that any one of them could become the future "Singer K". Throw in an awesome supporting cast like Park Jin Young (real life producer and entertainment mogul, CEO and founder of shameless self-promoting JYP) as hilarious English teacher Yang Jin Man and Uhm Ki Joon (who played the doctor in Scent of a Woman coincidentally enough) as heartwarming and lovable teacher Kang Oh Hyuk and you have a really really entertaining 16 episodes heading your way. It was a star-studded drama that did not disappoint this lonely viewer.
Now, for a little bonus review. I have to give a shout out to a drama I am currently re-watching, Secret Garden. This is tied for my all-time favorite drama. It was the second one I ever watched and the one that truly hooked me on the genre as a whole. Want to know where my obsession came from? Blame Secret Garden. Now rewatching it nearly a year later, I am reminded of just how much I love love LOVE this drama! The theme song alone is enough to make me all twitterpated and excited. I was jumping up and down when I found it on Netflix this week. Netflix! Yay! I can watch it on the big screen!!! Giddy my friends, simply giddy! And in case you are curious, I noticed a few other dramas recently added to Netflix like CITY HUNTER! (the other one that is tied for first place all-time favorite), Boys Over/Before Flowers (the one that has hooked most drama addicts), Shining Inheritance (haven't seen it), and My Girlfriend is a Gumiho/Nine Tailed Fox (also haven't seen it but have heard it's great). Sorry for the lengthy post. I promise that in the future they will be shorter and less frequent. It's just that I have a whole backlog of things I want to say and share. Once we get through the back inventory it'll settle down. Promise. Just stick with me a little while longer and humor me here. Or ignore it all together, though if you're reading this it's obviously too late for that. ;)
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. 
