Drama Review: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (???????)

Minggu, 16 April 2017

I loved this K-drama. With elements such as a power supergirl with a few buttkicking moves, thrown in some complicated love issues and a super evil psychopath and you will have Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. 

I will skip the plot since the above about sums up the overall picture of this fantasy romcom. What this drama captivated me is the fantastical portrayal of Do Bong Soon (starring Park Bo-Young) and her outlook on family, friends and life in general. Generally speaking, she is a simple-minded girl with a big heart and a bigger righteousness mind who would risk dangers to protect anyone who's in need of assistance (be it a simple lift of a heavy bulky item or a life-threatening situation.) 

Her love life, however, is a bit more complicated, though. She has been friends with rookie detective In Gook-du (Starring Ji-Soo) since they were teenagers and she's always carry a torch for him since then but that feelings is always one-sided until later, which I felt was way too late since by then she was attracted by Ahn Min-hyuk (starring Park Hyung-sik), a young CEO of a video gaming company. She and Min-Hyuk has a history way before they knew each other; and I loved to see how their feelings for each other develop from a boss-subordinate relationship to being a more-than-friends relationship. Their sense of togetherness most often brought a smile to my face be they flirting or clashing with each other's ideas. 

Credit Source

Then, there is the case of the psychopath who abducts young women to be his "brides". This thrilling plot captivated the crime thriller reader in me and it was interesting to see how this suspense involved Bong Soon and Min-Hyuk ultimately. That being said, this drama gravitate more towards the romantic aspect and I loved it all the same. And oh, that ending! *grins*

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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Drama Review: Defendant (???)

Selasa, 21 Maret 2017

Defendant (aka Innocent Defendant) is one of the most exciting dramas I have watched to-date this year (most probably will go onto my favourite list in 2017). Defendant will appeal to fans who like crime/legal thrillers, actions and even melodrama and after watching many dramas with a romance genre in it, I was eager for a change and I was so glad Defendant came up timely. 

The plot basically centers around prosecutor Park Jung Woo (starring Ji Sung) and his plans to escape from prison before he is sentenced to death for a crime of murdering his wife. However, Jung Woo suffered a temporary amnesia and has no idea what happened to that fateful night his wife was murdered and why he was the murderer. While many evidence points to him as the perpetrator, Jung Woo is sure he is being falsely accused because his last memory tells him otherwise. How he ended up in jail he absolutely has no idea. Adamant to find out the truth and to regain his memory, he began to plan his moves and has suffered numerous punishments and sacrifices before he could attain his goal of escaping. But his biggest challenge is to regain his innocence and finds the real perpetrator before he gets to him first. 

As this drama aired only two episodes per week, you can imagine how antsy I was to have to wait for a new week every time the last episode of the week ended. It was that good and I haven't had this kind of anticipation since Descendants of the Sun (totally a different genre, but you get the idea.) What I liked about this drama is aside from the actions and thrills, there was also emphasis on morality and empathy (even the comradeship between Jung Woo and his cellmates are heartwarming. And, no stereotyping. You would be surprised by the baddies here.) Ji Sung's acting was as stellar as his previous work and I always look forward to his new project. The plot and the characterisations are well crafted and every time a new situation (twist) happens, it gave me the thrills and I would anticipate what Jung Woo would do. This was a great thriller with a great cast. Highly recommended!  

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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Drama Review: Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim (???????)

Kamis, 02 Februari 2017

This review is long overdue since I'd been keeping watch on this medical drama since it was aired and I enjoyed it immensely. 

Also known as Doctor Romantic, this drama tells not only the daily occurrence of a doctor's life and his mission but also many struggles and challenges he has to face that exceed our imagination. 

Although there are several characters who contribute much to this show, in particularly Dr Kang Dong Joo (starring Yoo Yun Suk) and Dr Yoon Seo Jung (starring Seo Hyun Jin), at its core this story actually revolves around one genius surgeon named Boo Yong Joo (starring Han Suk Kyu) and how he continues to uphold his position and dignity as a surgeon despite his downfall during his prime time due to corporate politics at a well known hospital where he used to practice. Despite his "exile" to a smaller hospital at a secluded village town and donning a new name "Teacher Kim" (well there's a history surrounding this name but I'd not delve into that and let you find out yourself), his skill and his good nature personality shine throughout the story, earning him respect from everyone, from the cranky patients to the ex-directors as the story move along. As in many dramas, there is often a villain who would go against the protagonist and this is no exceptional. And of course, what I enjoyed most is seeing Teacher Kim guiding his small crew of staff (a variety of personalities there) and teaching them the true value of being a doctor through his past experiences. 

For viewers who want some romance in their drama, there's some romantic sparks here between Dr Kang and Dr Yoon. Their sweet romance offers some distraction off our minds amid the surgery scenes (it wouldn't be a medical drama without these) and other intense moments. For someone like me who often find surgery scenes intimidating, I found myself braving them because "Teacher Kim's" skill is simply amazing and not to mention this drama is watch-worthy. And oh, there's a prequel episode after the last episode so make sure you don't miss it (but don't watch the prequel first; it'd spoil the fun.)

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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Drama Review: Goblin (??????? - ??)

Minggu, 22 Januari 2017

The writer of Descendants of the Sun (Kim Eun-Sook) penned a new story and in this latest drama (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) it revolves around a goblin (protector of souls) and a grim reaper. 

Set between ancient Goryeo Dynasty and present time, this is a story about love, friendship, retribution and redemption. 

During Goryeo time, General Kim Shin (starring Gong Yoo) was an unbeatable warrior and had won many battles. However the young King was insecure and jealous so he had Kim Shin killed after he returned to court after his victory. Kim Shin became a goblin who has an immortal life. 

900 years later and back to present, Kim Shin is still waiting for a human bride to end his immortal life, which he learnt it is more of a curse than a blessing. One night he saved a pregnant woman who was destined to die. She later gave birth to a baby girl whom she named Ji Eun-Tak (starring Kim Go-Eun). On the day her mother passed Eun-Tak met the grim reaper (starring Lee Dong-Wook) right away she knew she was different from other human beings, aside from her ability to see ghosts. 

Now a high school student, Eun-Tak lives with her aunt but she is ill treated by her family. She still sees ghosts and hears their whisper of "goblin's bride" but has no idea what's everything about. On the day of her birthday Kim Shin appears in front of her after she has blown out the candles on her birthday cake. None of them understands why but Kim Shin later finds out that Eun-Tak could summon him whenever she blows off a light. Is she his destined bride? 

On the other end, the grim reaper couldn't rest his mind since the day he met Sunny, a beautiful young woman (starring Yoo In-na) when their attention fell on a green jade ring simultaneously. None of them couldn't understand the draw they feel towards each other; the grim reaper is the most affected as he always feel a sorrowful ache whenever he sees her. What is the secret past surrounding them?  

Writer Kim Eun-Sook has once again delivered another stellar work after the success of Descendants of the Sun (DOTS), which had taken the K-dramas world by storm. This time around she has wowed viewers with her two extraordinary heroes; both whom I felt possessed the same superhero quality as in Captain Yoo Si-jin (starring Song Joong-ki) in DOTS. Kim Shin is a true hero in many ways, from his warrior form to the present wealthy man he is ever the protector who watches over his loved ones (his younger sister and Eun-Tak). Like in DOTS, Ms Kim showed us the male friendship between two of her male leads. While Captain Yoo and Sergeant Major Seo are both loyal friends and comrade in arms in DOTS, we see the similar friendship between the goblin and the grim reaper although they have a lot of differences when their life and destiny are concerned. 

(Grim reaper and Goblin)

And of course we can't miss out the romances. No matter if it's Kim Shin and Eun-Tak or the grim reaper and his loved one, their scenes are often filled with sweet tender moments despite they could be sorrowful at times. I also loved it that some shots are taken in Canada; the autumn setting and the scenic places left me in awe. 

(Eun-Tak and Kim Shin)

(Sunny and Grim reaper)

Am I surprised with the ending? Yes and no. Truth be told, I was quite taken aback by some scenes in the last episode but knowing this is Ms Kim's work I knew she would not disappoint. 

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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Drama Review: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (???????)

Senin, 16 Januari 2017

Do not let that title mislead you. The title may sound something out of a fairy tale but there's no magical element here but a feisty protagonist who goes out of her way to pursue her gold medal dreams and finding love at the same time. 

Kim Bok Joo (starring Lee Sung-kyung) is a college athlete major in weightlifting. Living with her father and uncle who run a chicken restaurant together, Bok Joo's life is simple and although she feels well-loved by her family and friends, she is actually a shy girl and hides her insecurities behind her strong exterior. 

Jung Joon-hyung (starring Nam Joo-hyuk) is childhood friends with Bok Joo. He is a talented swimmer but his traumatic past haunts him. As a result, his confidence dips and it is through Bok Joo's encouragements that he begins to find his dreams again. Joon-hyung's ex-girlfriend, Song Shi-ho (starring Kyung Soo-jin) is a supporting role portraying as an overachiever rhythmic gymnast. Although she has broken up with Joon-hyung, she wants him back while juggling to uphold her position as a top-class gymnast. 

Bok Joo has finally met Jung Jae-yi (starring Lee Jae-yoon), a guy she likes but alas he is an obesity doctor. While Bok Joo is encouraged to put on weight by her coach for her upcoming tournaments, she is also trying to lose weight through Jae-yi's consultations so she could see him and impress him. But Jae-yi treats her merely as a friend, and it is also at this time that Bok Joo begins to realise that he is also Joon-hyung's cousin.

(Joon-hyung and Bok Joo) 

This is a great coming-of-age story, filled with inspirations and dreams. It also show cast what a sportsman's life is and what it takes to attain their goals. There are both funny moments and sad moments, and what I enjoyed most is seeing each character faces their challenges and how the process has changed them and mould them into a better person. Cheesy or not, such scenes never fail to move me and in the end I found myself rooting for them and cheering them on. I also like the sweet moments between Bok Joo and Joon-hyung; their relationship reminds me how lovely it is to be young and carefree. Oh, those were the days.

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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