From funny moments and squabbles to romantic intensity to tragedy to complex family drama, Kimchi family drama has something for every fan, including a killer cast featuring Song Il Guk and Park Jin Hee.

Balhyo Kajok, known to western fans as Kimchi Family (or even Fermentation Family) has my vote for best drama of the year. The combination of complex story, genuinely lyrical writing, superb acting by all players, and an emotional depth rarely taken on in dramas, makes this the best drama of the year, at least so far. Take your choice, 2011 or 2012, since it began airing in 2011 and finished in 2012.

By Josephine Nolan
Note: This is my vote, not the opinion of Films&Books

Perfect 5 rating

Korean Drama Balhyo Kajok (Kimchi Family appeals to everyone at all levels. If you enjoy family drama, you’ll never find a more complicated or fulfilling plot line in any drama on any continent. For those who prefer action, Song Il Gook in classic form, swings into martial arts action. I’m a mystery and cop drama nut, and Kimchi Family, despite the name, weaves in a very deep crime drama and mystery, not solved until the very end. Looking for uplifting? There is no more philosophical or subtle drama I can think of—full of very poignant vignettes, meaningful lives and philosophical questions such as the meaning of life and death, why do bad things happen to good people, and other very Zen topics.

Kimchi Family brings on plenty of romance, from sizzling scens featuring Song Il Guk and Park Jin He—always G rated but sexy none-the-less,

If you’re looking for romance, you’ll have plenty to digest, from our main two characters touching love, to tragic love stories with secondary characters (who still enjoy deep plot arcs of their own). Just love sexy actors? Well, you’ve got A-Lister Song Il Gook, who’s aged well through his career and still one of the sexiest screen idols on my list.

The Cast Truly are Stars
This ensemble could probably make a bad story watchable, and it features some of my all time favorites, with Song Il Gook (as Ki Ho Tae), Park Jin Hee (as Lee Kang San). I really liked the character role of Choi Jae Sung as Chef Kang Do Shik and a superb performance from Kang Shin Il.

Song Il Guk is simmering and sexy in his portrayal of an ex-gangster turned romantic lead chef. He sports a scruffy look, sheepdog hair and never-shaved beard that seems endearing rather than tough. In the past, he’s proven his acting chops as action prince (Jumong), Batman-like hero (A Man Called God), and bad-ass cop (Detectives in Trouble.)

Song Il Gook Sexy and Vulnerable
My number one guy in Korean Drama—for me anyway—is Song Il Gook(Song Il Guk or Song Il Kuk), and here he’s in prime form at about 43 years of age (but not looking like it!). He is a real character actor, equally at home as a prince (The Kingdom of the Winds), hero (Jumong), cop (Crime Squad), vengeful secret agent (A Man Called God). Here, in Balhyo Kajok, he perfectly plays an ex-gangster orphan who seeks meaning in life through the unraveling of his own tragic past. He’s thoughtful, intense, sexy, romantic, intelligent and vulnerable all at once, and it’s a treat whenever the camera makes love to his face. Although he plays a thug, once we get to know him, half the time you just want to hug him and have a good cry.

Below: Romance a-plenty in Kimchi Family, and great kiss scenes (with superb cinematic composition, by the way):

I enjoyed Park Jin Hee also, as his lead romantic interest. Not all Korean Dramas have strong female leads (notable exceptions Dae Jang Guem, etc.) Too often, the male dominates, without a strong enough opposite to make it credible. Here Park Jin Hee plays a never-say-die, eternally optimistic yet earthy character who shoulders her own pain—career struggles, a dependent sister and a father with Alzheimer’s—yet manages to be just charming throughout. Herein, might lie my single criticism. The writers laid on a little too much sugar on her role. Is she sometimes a little too sweet, no matter how dire the situation. No, not really, but she can preach up a storm, zen style.

Below: Early trailer for Kimchi Family:

Cinematography the Real Star
Normally I review story first, then character, finally cinematography and direction. I think I’ve made it clear that I believe story and character are perfect in this drama. Am I leading up to criticizing the crew and visuals? The opposite, in fact. The cinematography is worthy of a big budget film, despite a modest number of locations. The scenery is stunning to begin with, views we see in all four seasons in this drama. I wanted to highlight the camera crews and director for some of the most breathtaking framing I’ve seen in a long time. I review hundreds of dramas and films every year, and this certainly stands out as an eye treat.

Kimchi Family, though not a genre drama, features plenty of suspense and action. Here star Song Il Guk fights with over a dozen thugs armed with clubs in his quest to shed light on his hidden past.

Every frame is immaculate. You could frame grab any scene in this drama and hang it on your wall as art. It’s that good. Am I over gushing? Maybe the one area where the crew lets us down is in the car scenes, with the artificially lit car interiors and autos that move at a snails pace down the highway. Many Korean Dramas are guilty of this, and it’s the one weak point in the shooting.

The seasons arc beautifully with the story, making the visuals an integral part of the plot arc. The story takes us from birth through death through rebirth and all the agonizing and wonderful steps in between—reflected in gorgeous seasonal scenery. Winter, in this show, means something. Spring, even more so.

Complex and Riveting Story
I know it’s a good story when I am disappointed at the ending of an episode, and simply can’t get it out of my mind as I wait for the next. Kimchi Family is like this. You feel like part of the family, emotionally involved, and can’t wait to get back to their lives.

Multiple complex stories weave through the series, ultimately threading together like an integral whole. Here, I can’t reveal any of these intricacies, for fear of plot spoilers, but the disparate themes and threads all arc together until, by the end, with laser precision, they meld into one, unexpected aha moment.

Laugh Out Loud Funny and Cry Out Loud Touching
Typical of the best of Korean drama, Kimchi Family wrings tears out of audiences, while simultaneously giving us laugh attacks. There’s suspense, humour, romance, tragedy—what more could a drama do? Oh, and great sound track, too?

Below, one of the hits from Kimchi Family, Afraid of Love:

From reformed gangster turns kitchen help—stated another way, thug turns to romantic lead—to zen-master father’s journey into a hazy Alzheimer’s world, to sharp and hateful businesswoman transformed into tragic mother, to… trust me, the wonderful moments here are simply that—wonderful. Balhyo Kajok (Kimchi Family) is the don’t miss K-Drama of the year—and my vote for 2012′s best so far.

Don’t miss this hilarious spoof of the spoofer. Gangnam style is already funny. Stephen Chow is funny. Put them together, and you get crazy.

Stephen Chow is famous around the world for his award-winning and hysterically funny Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle, both featured cleverly in this video.

Spoofing Gangnam Style using footage from the king of spoofers Stephen Chow, here with a cleverly time scene from Shaolin Soccer.

Born June 22, 1962, he is a big fan of Bruce Lee—and often parodies him (respectfully) in his dramas. He has starred in or directed 66 films from 1988 to today. Before Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle, his best remembered Hong Kong hits included Royal Tramp (based on the novel), King of the Beggars, and The Tricky Master. He has won everything from Film Festivals to Golden Horse Awards and was nominated for a Golden Globe.

To his fans, we just think of crazy fun, which meshed really well with Gangnam Style!

Korean drama is famous for romance, melodrama, and complex characterizations. Arguably, character is the strongest and most appealing feature of k-drama, accounting for the extraordinary length of many series.

At 140 episodes, Cheonsa-ui Seontaek—or An Angel’s Choice as it translates to in English—is a drama that involves a gigantic investment in time. In this reviewer’s opinion, it is a worthwhile investment if you enjoy all of the hallmarks of great k-drama.

An Angels Choice stars Jeong Seong Un (left) and Choe Il Hwa (right)

The story revolves around a young woman who lives her life intensely. The young woman, Choi Eun Seol is a married woman who endures her husband’s constant battery and betrayal—bolstered by a string of misunderstandings that make us totally sympathetic to her. This goes on for too long, but eventually, she takes the chance, breaks away, and ends up with a second chance on true love as well as happiness. None of this is possible without the help of her ever-caring family, who stay with her through the ups and downs and the darkest nights of her life.

An Angels Choice, starring Yun Hui Seok,left, and Go Na Eun,right

Seol shows appealing determination in her career, a strong redeeming characteristic. She is a researcher in a leading cosmetics company. On the outside she appears to be cheerful and lively, despite the troubles with violent marriage—and endearing trait.

This drama as produced by Choi Chang Wook and directed by Son Hyung Suk and Jang Ui Soon. Inexplicably, despite the extraordinary scope of a 140 episode run, viewers are hooked and anxious for the next episode.

Trailer from Cheonsa-ui Seontaek—or An Angel’s Choice as it translates to in English:

Scriptwriter Suh Hyun Joo writes a compelling script, and masterfully manages the plot flows well, with judicious pace and plenty of conflict. As much as there is considerable suffering within the story, the writer lightens the mood with plenty of humorous moments.

The story involves 4 families: Eun’s family, Min Jae’s family, Sang Ho’s family as well as Yoo Ran’s family. The fates of these families are intertwined in the most complicated of ways but brought out in a very unique way in the drama.

An AngelsChoice starring Choe Jeong Yun

The cast of this great drama from Korea are well known to fans of k-drama. Choi Eun Seol is played by the beautiful Choi Jung Yoon who has boasted some top honors in her acting career. Others include Jung Sung Woon, Yoon Hee Suk as well as Go Na Eun. With a top notch director, producer, script writer as well as a strong cast, An Angel’s Choice, engages audiences with pace, story, complex relationships and is showcased with in strong production values. If you are a fan of Korean melodrama, you will not be disappointed.

This drama consists of 140 episodes, the biggest obstacle to a casual fan of k-drama. However, in my opinion, this is one drama that you are definitely bound to connect with from the beginning to end as it encompasses issues we all deal with around the world, and in Korean, and in particular issues of women’s rights and issues. I rate it four out of five stars.

Four out of Five Stars
—E. Muchiri

Born in July 1970, Lee Byung-Hun is known as an actor and singer is known for his charm, sculpted abs, brilliant smile, masculine good looks and acting ability.

Lee Byung-Hun, has won most of the major drama acting awards, and went  on to superstar status in Korea which ultimately led to International film opportunities. He is fluent in English, Korean, French and Mandarin and has played speaking roles in all of these languages.

Lee Byung-Hun is famous for roles in dozens of Korean Dramas, hit Korean Movies and now Hollywood films such as G.I.Joe and the forthcoming Reds 2.

Lee Byung-Hun became a world renowned South Korean film star after first coming to dominate Korean drama and movies. He was first noticed for his box office hit entitled Korean Joint Security Area in the year of 2000—but has gone on to popularity around the world. Just this year, he was recognized as ‘Star of the Year’ by CineAsia. Hollywood film-maker Jon Chu described him as “Korea’s Tom Cruise,” after his role in Hollywood’s G.I. Joe.

Lee Byung-Hun kicks his performance up in GI Joe:

One of Korea’s Most Popular Stars
The handsome star, arguably one of Korea’s most popular—and long before his current adored Hallyu status—first starred in Asphalt My Hometown after winning the audition of KBS talent. This led quickly to an opportunity to act in a huge television hit called Beautiful Days in 2001 and followed by another television show called All In in the year of 2003.

2009′s Iris was a hit around the world, and added tremendous value to the Lee Byung-Hun image machine:

Lee Byung-Hun continued his craft and went on to create the unique movie The Good, the Bad, the Weird and the suspense thriller I Saw the Devil. After releasing a successful line of movies he came back to his first love which is creating popular drama series and has starred in the drama Iris. Iris was rated number one for every episode in Korean ratings, and went on to translation and broadcast around the world. It has become one of the best known Korean Dramas outside of Korea.

Lee Byung-Hun is famous for a sculpted body, rippling abs, and his martial arts Tae Kwon Do moves.

He was considered to a pioneer as one of the first Korean Hallyu stars to leave his mark at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood (together with Ahn Sung-Ki.) Many remember him for his role as a border-guard soldier; this earned him his first Best Actor Award in the prestigious Pusan Film Critic’s Awards.

Many Awards and Successes
It was a string of success for him including winning top prize at SBS Drama Awards and the Best Actor for Baeksang Arts Awards. Lee Byung-Hun also earned a nomination for the Blue Dragon film awards Best actor, the Chunsa Film Art Awards including the famous Grand Bell awards.

“Lee Byung-Hun, the best actor ever in the world.” A fan on YouTube

Here’s what his fans think of him: “Lee Byung Hun, the best actor ever in the world” from YouTube:

His big break in Hollywood was for the much-anticipated G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra. Although the film didn’t receive many accolades, his performance was acclaimed as Storm Shadow. His contract was renewed for two G.I. Joe sequels. He co-starred with actors Sienna Miller and Channing Tatum.

Lee Byung-Hun plays Shadow Hawk, overshadowing his co-stars in the first G.I. Joe movie. He has been signed for two sequels, one in release currently.

In 2012 the first sequel came in the better-received G.I Joe: Retaliation, where he reprised his popular role as Storm Shadow. He was compared to Korean superstar Rain, and his appearance in Ninja Assassin, and ultimately, more offers came. He was cast in Reds 2, an action comedy sequel together with Bruce Willis, Hellen Mirren, actor John Malkovich and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Formed His Own Management Company
Aside from being a successful actor he has also formed his own management company, BH entertainment. Today he manages actors like Han Hyo-Joo, Han Chae-Young and Go Soo. He also owns a well-known fashion line called BHNC, famous for hats, wallets as well as scarfs.

Lee Byun-Hun is developing fans in North America for Hollywood roles, and has long been a Hallyu star popular in Korea, Japan, China and many other countries.

Personal Life
He reportedly dated Song Hye-Kyo but they broke up in the year of 2004. He acknowledged that he is currently in a relationship with Lee Min-jung, confirming it in August 2012.  Lee Byung-Hun also has a famous sister named Lee Eun-Hee who became Miss Korea in 1996.

He grew up as a wealthy child and has often described himself as mischievous during his younger days. He was well educated, a French Literature major from Hanyang University and a Theater and Cinematography major from the Graduate School of Chung Ang University.

To his Korean fans, he will always be number one, one of the precious stars who broke out of the talented Korean drama arts scene on to the world stage. To the world, he is a star to watch.

Lee Byung Hun at the A-Awards 2012:

Awards

• 2011 47th PaekSang Arts Awards – Daesang Grand Award (I Saw the Devil)
• 2010 46th Baeksang Arts Award: Best TV Actor Award (IRIS)
• 2009 KBS Drama Awards: Grand Prize (IRIS)
• 2009 KBS Drama Awards: Best Couple Award (with Kim Tae Hee in IRIS)
• 2009 KBS Drama Awards: Netizen Popularity Award (IRIS)
• 42nd Baek-sang Arts Award: Best Leading Actor for “Once in a Summer” (2006)

Lee Byung-Hun is famous for his smile.

• 2005 Busan Cinema Critics Award: Best Leading Actor
• 39th Baek-sang Arts Award: Best Performing Actor for All In (2003)
• 38th Baek-sang Arts Award: Best Performing Actor (2002)
• 2001 SBS Drama Awards: Best Performing Actor
• 2001 Blue Dragon Awards: Most Popular Actor
• 2000 Busan Cinema Critics Award: Best Leading Actor
• 1996 KBS Drama Awards: Best Performing Actor
• 1995 KBS Drama Awards: Best Performing Actor
• 1993 KBS Drama Awards: Best Performing Actor
• 1992 KBS Drama Awards: Best Performing Actor

Lee Byung-Hun early in his career.

Movies

• Reds 2 (2013)
• GI Joe: Retaliation (2012)
• I Saw the Devil (2010)
• Iris: The Movie (2010)
• The Influence (2010)
• G.I. Joe (2009)
• I Come with the Rain (2008)
• The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008)
• Hero (2007)
• Once in a Summer / Summer Story (2006)
• A Bittersweet Life (2005)
• Three… Extremes (segment “Cut”) (2004)
• Everybody Has Secrets (2004)
• Addicted / The Poisoning (2002)
• My Beautiful Girl, Mari (2002)
• Bungee Jumping of Their Own (2001)
• Joint Security Area (2000)
• Organ of My Heart (1998)
• Ji sang man ga (1997)
• Kill the Love (1996)
• Run Away (1995)
• Who Drives Me Mad? (1995)

Lee-Byung Hun helped make Iris the number one hit of the year 2009 in Korea. The show went on to popularity in many other countries.

TV Dramas

• Diplomat Kuroda Kousaku (Fuji TV, 2011)
• IRIS (2009)
• All In (SBS, 2003)
• Beautiful Days (SBS, 2001)
• Road (SBS, 2001)
• Sally is Back (SBS, 1999)
• Sunflower (MBC, 1999)
• Happy Together (SBS, 1999)
• White Nights 3.98 (SBS, 1998)
• White Sand (KBS, 1997)
• I Do (SBS, 1997)
• Beautiful Lady (SBS, 1997)
• Son of Wind (KBS, 1995)
• Asphalt Man (SBS, 1995)
• Fragrance of Love (SBS, 1994)
• Police (KBS, 1993)
• The Sorrow of the Survivor (KBS, 1992)
• Tomorrow Love (KBS, 1992)
• Dawn (KBS, 1992)
• Days of Sunshine (KBS, 1992)
• Wild Sunflower (KBS, 1992)
• Flower That Never Wilt (KBS, 1991)
• Family (KBS, 1991)
• Asphalt My Hometown, Asphalt (KBS, 1991)

– by Calypso

If you didn’t catch all the top Korean Dramas as they aired in 2012, here’s a list of the most popular dramas based on ratings and popular acclaim, and awards. All are well worth watching. The list is in order of ratings from AGB Nielsen as % for live air date, averaged for entire run.

A Gentleman’s Dignity
Ratings Average: 20.8%
This is a romantic and dramatic comedy which has 20 episodes, unusually focused on the older audiences. It tells the tale of four men, all in their forties, an older, but not necessarily mature snapshot of their love lives, failures, careers and breakups. Fun, dignified and real, it’s a must see for all ages.

Trailer for A Gentleman’s Dignity:

The Innocent Man
Ratings Average: 16.8%
Previously known as Nice Guy, this romantic melodrama tells of a story of Kang Ma Roo (Song Joong Ki) who, after being hurt by the woman he loved, sought revenge. This drama is oddly intriguing, and never loses audience interest over twenty episodes. The main cast includes Song Joong Ki , Moon Chae Won, Park Si Yeon (Han Jae Hee) and Kang Chan Hee (Kang Ma Roo).

Trailer for The Innocent Man:

Time Slip Dr. Jin
Ratings Average: 14.3%
This 22 episode fusion drama has elements of romance, time travel and fantasy, and perhaps an over-abundance of graphic surgery scenes. Despite the almost too-real surgery scenes, it is quite intriguing, particularly in the unique view of themes like destiny. The story line revolves around Jin Hyuk (Song Seung Hun) who is a neurosurgeon. In his pursuit of perfection, he has alienated most people in his social circle including his love interest. Hyuk gets transported to the year 1860 where he interferes with the timeline—urged on by his conscience to save people—by saving people with modern techniques who were destined to die. In doing so, he is accused of magic and chased by authorities. Saving people makes him a better human being, but he starts to realize he’s changing the future. After awhile, he deliberately tampers, with less than predictable results. If you can watch through the graphic surgery scenes, this is a great drama. Performances are stunning from Lee Bum Soo, as always, who threatens to take over the lead role in the drama, although Song Seung Hun and Park Min Young play strong roles.

Time Slip Dr. Jin Trailer:

The King 2 Hearts
Ratings Average: 14.1%
Any drama with Lee Sueng Ki—Hallyu singing star, and star in hit dramas such as My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox—is bound to be a hit, and this black dramatic comedy doesn’t disappoint. Set in the modern day South Korea in an “alternate reality” where the monarchy survived, we meet Lee Jae Ha (Lee Sueng Ki), a handsome prince who is very materialistic and cares less about politics. His idealistic life ends when he is forced to join a team of soldiers from North and South Korea and ends clashing with—and laterfalling in love with—Kim Hyang Ah—who is a Special Forces agent.

Trailer for King 2 Hearts

Arang and the Magistrate
Ratings Average: 14.0%
This is a fusion historical/paranormal mystery based on ghostly folklore. This very romantic comedy plays 21 episodes in total and never flags in pace, drama or surprises. The drama features Shin Min Ah (Arang), Yun Woo Jin (Choi Joo Wal) and Lee Joon Ki (Kim Eun Oh). Kim Eun Oh, who has an ability to see spirits, arrives in Miryang town in search for his mother. Spirits approach him and he pretends that he cannot hear them—until a virgin ghost named Arang begs his help to vengeance her unjusticed death.

Trailer for Arang and the Magistrate:

Rooftop Prince
Ratings Average: 12.8%
This is the crown jewel in time-travel dramas, a romantic fantasy comedy with 20 episodes. The charisma of Micky Yoochun made this a sure hit. Also translated as the “Attic Prince” the drama blends the best of fantasy, romance and mystery with heavy doses of very funny comedy. It is a story about Lee Gak, played charmingly by Micky Yoochun (Park Yoochun), a displaced Joseon prince—and his funny retainers. They were trying to solve his princess’s murder, fleeing from the perpetrators, when they are hurled into the future by a mysterious force. He leads his almost three-stooges fun retainers—Song Man Bo, Do Chi San and Woo Young—in an attempt to adjust to the future and to understand why he was thrown 300 years ahead in time. When he is rescued by a girl who resembles his princess, he knows it was not random chance. The rest is hilarity, adventure and romance

Trailer for Rooftop Prince, a time-traveling comedy drama that is not to be missed:

I Miss You
Ratings Average: 12.0%
This is a melodrama comedy which revolves around a guy and a girl who ended their relationship painfully at the age of 15. They meet later on in life after playing a game of hide and seek. A story of love lost, love found, revenge and mystery, the cast includes Lee Soo Yeon, Kang Hyung Joon, Kim Eun Joo and Han Jung Woo.

Trailer for I Miss You:

Faith  
Ratings Average: 11.0%
Faith is an intriguing historical romance fantasy drama set in an ancient times. It is also called the Great Doctor, and has 24 fast-paced, adventure  episodes—a cannot miss with cast-leader Lee Min Ho, Korea’s rising Hallyu star. Although it is perhaps the latest in a time-travel trend (after Rooftop Prince, Queen In Hyun’s Man and Time Slip Dr. Jin) it flips the story-convention around, bringing a martial-arts powerhouse from the past to the future where he kidnaps a present day female doctor and takes her back to the past where she is trapped. She saves the prince and nearly kills her kidnapper, yet, despite her immature antics, love flourishes between her and her kidnapper. Main cast drama includes Kim Hee Sun (Yoo Eun Soo), Lee Min Ho (Choi Young), Yoo Oh Sung (Ki Cheol), Lee Philip (Jang Bin), Park Se Young (Princess Nogook) and Rvu Duk Hwan (King Gong Min).

Trailer for Faith, one of the hot dramas of 2012:

Queen In Hyun’s Man – The Time Traveler’s Wife
This spunky romantic comedy plays over 16 episodes, keeping interest with its unique and elegant story line. Although it’s yet another time-travel comedy, this one has its unique charms as Kim Boong Do travels into the future in Seoul where he meets Choi Hee Jin.

Excerpts from Queen In Hyun’s Man:

Love Rain
Ratings Average: 6.0%
It is a romantic fantasy which has twenty episodes. It cleverly juxtapositions the the children of a previous ill-fated couple, who met in the 1970s, managed to meet and fall in love against a present day love. Seo In Ha and Kim Yoo Hee, a lovely and engaging couple in the 70s meet, fall in love, but unfortunately their relationship is not to be. Forward to the 21st century, and their respective children meet and become involved. But can they survive romantically where their parents did not? Top notch editing and pace, and authentic recreation this interesting period, complete with bad hair, together with the strong relationships,  makes this an immensely interesting and memorable drama.

Extended seven-minute trailer for Love Rain with English subtitles:

– Ren Zost

Are you among the countless Korean Drama fanatics across the globe? The increasing popularity of Korean Dramas is not a big surprise since majority of them feature timely and intriguing scenarios. They also boast casts composed of talented actors who have dedicated themselves in honing their craft. New and upcoming Korean Dramas of 2013 promise more astonishing, funny, scary, and sweet moments including mind-blowing twists and turns. Can’t decide which one to start watching? Here is a list of the top 5 best Korean dramas of 2013 to serve as your guide. Browse through each review and discover why any of these drama series deserves to be called the best of 2013.

Gu Family Book is a blockbuster Korean Drama from Shin Woo-chul and Kim Jyung-Hyun, and Kang Eun-Kyung. Superstar singer-actor Lee Sung-gi stars.

Gu Family Book

Gu Family Book is a Korean drama series which features trust, deception, love, hatred, and various traditional Korean myths.  Thousands across the globe were easily drawn to stay tuned as the series displayed good acting and scenarios that are never seen before in Korean television during its pilot episode. The beauty of classic wardrobes featured in this Korean Drama series alone indicates how the production team worked so hard to make it all possible. This drama series is a collaboration of Korea’s top directors and writer namely Shin Woo-chul and Kim Jyung-Hyun, and Kang Eun-Kyung so its current success is not a big surprise. Added with a cast teeming with talent which includes Lee Sung-gi, Suzy, Lee Yoobi, Lee Sung-Jae, and Sung Joon, this series will surely take you to an unforgettable Korean drama journey.

All About Romance is a new 2013 drama starring Lee Min-Jung, Shin Ha-Kyun, Park Hee-Soon, Han Chae-Ah, and Jin Tae-Hyun.

All about romance

All about romance is another love story flick by the infamous director Son Jung -Hyun and writer Kwon Ki-Young. The story revolves around two individuals namely Kim Soo-Young and No Min-Young with different political affiliations falling in love with another. This drama highlights surprising scenes which never fails to leave audiences guessing and romantic moments that assure a worthwhile viewing experience for lovers. The cast includes established and promising Korean stars including Lee Min-Jung, Shin Ha-Kyun, Park Hee-Soon, Han Chae-Ah, and Jin Tae-Hyun.

Cast from Cruel City, a 2013 Korean Drama

Cruel City

Are you a fan of crime drama? Cruel city will surely entertain you most as it promises to be a perfect combination of tragedy, love, and everything in between. This drama is brought to us by two of the finest Korean directors namely Jang Yong-Woo and Lee Jeong-hyo. The series’ writer, Yoo Seong-Yeol successfully captured a considerable amount of audience even just after a few episodes as he delivered amazing and stimulating scenarios. This Korean drama series is all about a dedicated police who is willing to do everything for a mission to the extent of joining a gang and being an undercover agent. But can he carry out his duties while protecting the woman that matters to him most? With a robust story paired with a talented cast composed of Jeong Kyeong-ho, Nam Gyoo-ri, Kim Yoo-Mi, and Lee Jae-yoon-I, this Korean drama series truly deserves to be in this list and is expected to continue being one of the top for several months more.
 

Korean 2013 Drama Dating Agency: Cyrano stars Sang-yong, Hee-joong, and Byeong-Hoon.

Dating Agency: Cyrano

The creative mind of Kim Heon-Suk paved way to the birth of a feel-good Korean drama series entitled Dating Agency: Cyrano.  This funny and heartwarming Korean drama installment features a small agency which claims 100% success in making people fall in love. The agency consists of energetic and self-proclaimed love experts who will do almost everything just to satisfy their clients and leave them with a happy love life. As the drama series blooms, the agent’s personal feelings start to get in the way with their business transactions as a love triangle among Sang-yong, Hee-joong, and Byeong-Hoon starts to develop. How will their agency survive despite love problems among their agents? This drama series also showcases a cast teeming with talented actors namely Lee Min-Jung, Park Shin-hye, Choi Daniel, Uhm Tae-woong, and many more.
 

Queen of Office is a 2013 Korean drama.

The Queen of Office

Jeon Chang-Geun, a highly-acclaimed Korean drama director is the one behind the promising series entitled The Queen of Office. It is about the struggle of a temporary employee, Ms. Kim (Kim Hye-Soo), in building a relation with her prideful but experienced co-worker Jang Kyu-Jik (Oh Ji-Ho). These two promising employees started out as competitors but everything changed as they develop special feelings towards each other. The cast also includes other known Korean actors like Lee Hee-Joon and Jeon Hye-Bin.

Lee Seung Gi’s infectious smile, famous abs, popular drama roles and strong singing career, have made him a genuine superstar prospect. His likeable, playful personality charmed television viewers. His wide grin drew in the fans. But he was first discovered because of his voice—a powerful tone that fills an auditorium full of thousands of screaming fans.

Currently airing as the star of the Gu Family Book (Gugaui Seo, MBC, 2013), his previous hits included King 2Hearts, and the perennial favorite My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox.

Lee Seung Gi is a rising Korean superstar, popular in drama and on stage as a soloist singer.

Born January 13, 1987 in Seoul in South Korea, Lee Seung Gi grew up with his parents and younger sister. He was considered as an outstanding student in his high school years, getting good grades. He was also elected as student council President.

At an early age, he already showed interest in music, and became a member of a band during his teenage years. His journey started very early, and continued in the following years that made him amongthe most bankable stars of his generation. He was also deemed as a total entertainer by many of his supporters.

Aside from being a singer, he is also most known for being a part of the season one of a weekend variety show called “1 Night 2 Days,” which ran from November 2007 up to February 2012 and also featured notibles such as Uhm Tae Woong. The South Korean singer was also the host of the talk show called “Strong Heart” which aired from October 2009 up to April 2012.

Lee Seung Gi is equally famous for his abs, as his singing voice and acting ability. Here, on a promo interview, against a backdrop of Lee Sung Gi abs.

Lee Seung Gi’s Debut
He was discovered by Lee Sun He, where the former received training from the latter for 2 years, before making his debut on June, 2004 at age 7.

The Korean singer’s debut song, “Because You are My Girl,” from his opening album entitled “The Dream of a Moth,” became a famous ballad and hit the hearts of older women in South Korea.

Through this song, he bagged the “Best Newcomer” ‘award in some music award ceremonies in 2004, including the Seoul Music Awards and the ‘M.net KM’ Music Festival. His first official debut in Japan happened on March 6 2012. He released an album entitled, “Time for Love” (with English translations “Generation of Love,” Alone in Love,” ‘and “Era of Love”).

A Favorite in Japan

Popularity in Japan can make a Korean star a genuine Hallyu (Korean Wave) superstar. On June 1, 2012, he had a concert held at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.

A few months after, he released a mini album (#5.5), “Forest,” which emerged to be the number one in various music charts that include Korean K-Pop Hot 100, Instiz, Chart, Billboard Gaon, and ‘Korea K-Pop Hot 100′ for several weeks.

In December, it emerged number one on Gaon Chart, setting a ‘record’ for being the number 1 for 6 consecutive weeks in Billboard’s ‘Korea K-Pop’ Hot 100.

Acting Career

Lee Seung Gi tried acting in 2005 when he became a guest star in a sitcom called “Nonstop 5″. In 2006, he made an official debut in KBS ’2006 weekend drama’ called “The Infamous ‘Chil Sisters.”

AI lead role in MBC historic drama, “The ‘Return of Iljimae” was given to him in 2008, but did not push through because of his busy schedule.

In 2009, he became a cast in SBS’s drama “Brilliant Legacy,” starring Korean actresses ‘Moon Chae Won’ and Han Hyo Joo.

For ten straight weeks, the Korean drama which ended on July 26, 2009 stayed at number one in terms of viewer ratings.

Lee Seung Gi during a live concert rips open his shirt to reveal his famous abs to adoring fans.

Its success made a great boost on Lee’s career in the local and international scene. This drama also gave him the “Excellence in ‘Acting” award, and “Top 10 Stars” award. His 2010 Wednesday to Thursday drama “My Girlfriend is a ‘Nine-Tailed Fox” paved way to his 2nd “Excellence in ‘Acting” award, “Best Couple” award, and “Top 10 Stars” award in the ‘SBS Drama Awards’.[13]

Just last year, he starred in MBC Wednesday to Thursday drama “The King 2 Hearts” with ‘Ha Ji Won’.

Last October 2012, it was announced by Lee’s agency that the Korean star will play a lead role in a fantasy and historical drama entitled “Gu Family Book” ( 서), which commenced in April of 2013.

Dramas:

    Gu Family Book | Gugaui Seo (MBC / 2013) – Choi Kang-Chi
The King 2hearts | Deokingtuheocheu (MBC / 2012) – Lee Jae-Ha
The Greatest Love | Choigowei Sarang (MBC / 2011) – Lee Seung-Gi (cameo / ep 9)
My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox | Nae Yeochineun Gumiho (KBS2 / 2010)
Brilliant Legacy | Chanranhan Yusan (SBS / 2009) – Seon Woo-Hwan
Famous Chil Princesses | Somunnam Chilkongju (KBS2 / 2006) – Hwang Tae-Ja
Nonstop 5 (MBC, 2005)

Hyun Bin, Binnie to his fans, is adored in many nations for his charm, good looks (natural: no plastic surgery!), acting ability and humility. And he picks good roles.

In some ways, you could argue, Hyun Bin is iconic of Korean stardom. He has the looks, the smile, the charm, the modesty, the “princely” bearing that wears so well in Cinderella stories—which, after all, is one of the attractive themes in Korean Drama. As Korean Drama continually finds new fans around the world, stars like Hyun Bin become world stars, no longer just “K-Stars.”

Hyun Bin, also known as Binnie among his fans, is considered as one of the handsomest and hottest Korean stars worldwide. His looks plus his acting talent moved more women to fall in love with him; he has one of the biggest bases of hardcore fans in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, all of Asia, and around the world.. Aside from dominating ratings in Korean drama, he was also cast in numerous films, product promotions, and music videos.

The Rise to Stardom
Hyun Bin is near-universally known as the epitome of Korean stars, but Korean fans and other fans across the globe probably first became really aware of him in the run-away ratings champ, “My Name is Kim Sam Soon,” opposite fellow star Kim Sun Ah. Bringing in a 53.4% share by episode 16, the series has been bested by only a couple of dramas. In the series, Hyun Bin played Jin Hyeon, an angsty and arrogant French restaurant owner who looks for the best pastry chef he can find. Landing the job was Kim Sam Soon, played by Kim Sun Ah, a tough-as-nails and pastry chef with great talent in baking—and who appeared to have indulged in too many of her own cakes. Judged too old and “chubby” by characters in the drama, the Cinderella story that follows is classic “plain-poor-plump girl steals prince’s heart”, but with truly comic flair and personality. Fans couldn’t get enough of Hyun Bin.

Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won created a sensation in Secret Garden.

Secret Garden Phenomena
Secret Garden is Hyun Bin’s most famous role, played alongside co-star Ha Ji Won, who also gained popularity for different dramas like Hwang Jin Yi. In this Korean fantasy romance drama, their characters, they begin hating each other, mysteriously changed bodies, resorted to a comical bickering relationship—and, of course, fell in love. Secret Garden made tacky track suits fashionable. Hyun Bin and Ha’s chemistry made a lot of people fall in love with both of them and led to Secret Garden’s high ratings, dozens of awards for everyone, Secret Garden parody fever, and a near cult status.

Military Service and Global Heartbreak
Secret Garden and Hyun Bin were at the height of their popularity when the actor broke the news that he was enrolling in military service. As a mandatory service, it took the actor away from his fans for an agonizingly long 21 months.

The news resulted in global heartbreak. Fans cried, but kept him alive in forums and fansites. Media followed his career in the marines.  The actor himself was said he would miss his fans, and sounded as if he meant it.

A Sensational Comeback
Many actor’s careers couldn’t endure a 21 month hiatus, especially in the highly volatile “next greatest sexy superstar” environment of Korean drama. However, fans hung on like pitbulls, showing undying love for Hyun Bin. When he finally discharged, crowds met him. The actor broke into tears, as charming and popular as ever..

Comeback is also not an issue for  Binnie. Several months after his return, after a popular fan tour, and weighting many options, he accepted his first sageuk-themed movie, The King’s Wrath. By now, fans across the globe look forward to his return to the big screen, especially in a movie that is his first historical-themed show.

Through fans’ support this eternally popular star didn’t lose any shine off his superstar status.

Song Joong Ki starring in Wolf Boy, is an up-and-coming Korean film star with potential to be a Hallyu superstar.

With Korean Film and Drama’s popularity on a rocket-like trajectory, many new actors are breaking through to become the prospective future Hallyu Film Superstars. This unprecedented popularity is largely due to Korea’s growing list of Hallyu-status actors—those popular outside of Korea—mostly attributable to heart-wrenching characters, superb acting (for the most part) and painfully cute personas.  At the same time Bollywood fans are the among the largest dedicated audiences in the world. Films and Books picks the best stars and films from both.

 The movies, too, are known for art direction, original musical scoring, and very deep character development. Actors such as Jang Keun Suk, Lee Min Ho, Rain, Song Hye Kyo and Lee Byung Hun are the Hallyu film stars of today. Who will it be in the next couple of years?

Through these film stars, people around the world have come to fall in love with Korea’s actors. Some of these actors will not fade easily in popularity, but there is still room for prospective future superstars. Here, are our picks for future possible superstars of film. Here, we are not picking top stars in drama or music who might be Hallyu stars such as Big Bang and Psy, but future film stars who have a good shot at being Hallyu status in the next two or three years. We’re also not including drama-only actors for this list. Do you have different picks?

Song Joon Ki has the potential to be a future Hallyu Star

Song Joong Ki

The Korean actor is known for a youthful, charming face, but equally for versatile acting ability. The diversity of roles—from illiterate “wolf boy” to flamboyant scholar who openly pursues other men—proves his skills. His star rose higher with his role in “Sungkyunkwan Scandal”. Parts in other dramas, “Obstetrics and Gynaecology Doctors” and “Tree with Deep Roots”, solidified his reputation as more than a pretty face. Song Joong Ki showed versatility in various film roles, acting in “Five Senses of Eros”, “The Grand Heist”, and “Hearty Paws 2″. He received acclaim as the lead role for the film “A Werewolf Boy”, which makes him an actor to watch as a future Hallyu prospect. 

Lee Je Hoon in The Fortune Tellers (Ghost Sweepers) (2012) is a strong contender for future Hallyu prospect in Korean Film.

Lee Je Hoon

This Korean actor received more Korean film than drama, the opposite of most Korean actor careers. With thirteen films, but only 2 dramas, his fame is solid in the cinema big screen with roles in The Fortune Tellers (2012), Architecture 101 (2012), The Front Line (2011), Bleak Night (2010), Finding Kim Jong Wook (2010) and six other big screen films. His superb acting talent and looks have reminded many fans of a younger version of Uhm Tae Woong (himself not too old!), a celebrated actor in the same industry, notably for hits role in Introduction to Architecture in 2012. Having an innocent, yet versatile face, as natural in a teary scene as in a romantic one, makes him an actor to watch as a future Korean Hallyu prospect.

Kim Yoo Jung is a familiar face, a strong presence in Korean Dramas such as The Sun Embraces The Moon, and with the move to film will be a big star.

Kim Yoo Jung

Kim Hoo Jung first became famous for her young roles asa child actor, and has acted in almost as many movies as dramas. She has had roles in some of the most famous dramas—known for her role as young Wol in the highest-rated drama in 2012, The Moon that Embracing the Sun. She has acted in 20 dramas and 14 movies, showing a diversity, despite her young age in some roles. Famously, she acted in Quen Seon Deok, Gye Baek and Iljamae, and other hits. Kim Yoo Jung’s later film role was 2012′s, Alumni. She portrayed her tear-jerker role so well, that—with great acting talent plus her cute face—she is definitely one to watch out for big screen Korean cinema.

Song Jae Rim, like Kim Yoo Jung, played a strong role in The Moon Embraces the Sun. Although he’s new, with only a few movies, he is considered a breakout prospect.

Song Jae Rim

Song Jae Rim started to work in the industry in 2009, a relative newbie, but many viewers became instant fans, appreciating his acting skills after he planed Woon in The Moon That Embraces the Sun, a hit drama on Korean television. He displayed unique dramatic timing and acting ability in the series. He has also acted in three movies, latest Give Me Back My Cat (2012), the same year as he stared in The Moon That Embraces the Sun. This may be a long-shot call, with a short history of three dramas and three movies, but with his looks, and fan support, we think he’s a prospect for future Hallyu star.

Park Bo Young is a perennial favorite, and made a move to films with If You Were Me 4, Speedy Scandal, The ESP Couple and Our School E.T. In 2012 she starred in Wolf Boy, alongside Song Joong Ki.

Park Bo Young

From 2006-2008, Park Bo Young starred in seven Korean Dramas, but left the drama scene for film in 2008. She acted in four movies in 2008, including If You Were Me 4, Speedy Scandal, The ESP Couple and Our School E.T. In 2012, she jumped into two roles, Don’t Click and Wolf Boy along side our other pick Song Joong Ki. Her sudden popularity, her unique looks, solid acting ability makes her a prospect for the future.

Although Korean drama is, perhaps, arguably more popular than Korean film internationally — the big stars break into film, after hot careers in drama. Although there’s no way to predict Korea’s future Hallyu superstars, these five are prospects if all goes well in the unpredictable industry.

Lee Seung Gi and Bae Suzy stir up plenty of romantic chemistry in the hit Korean Drama Gu Family Book.

By Tabrez

Gu Family Book (also known as: Ancient Medical Book / The Writings of Nine Houses / Book of the House of Gu / Kang Chi, the Beginning)
Ratings and Review: 9 out of 10

It’s always a sure bet that Lee Seung Gi star billing will draw substantial audiences, and with over 20 episodes aired, Gu Family Book  moved to first place in the Seoul ratings according to AGB Nielsen. The hot star plays a half fox, half human semi-supernatural being, Kang Chi, who grows up thinking he’s a human. With a lesser actor, such a premise might have resulted in 3rd or 4th in the ratings, typical for a fantasy. Fox stories (think, werefox or half spirit, or magical creature) are not new to Korean drama, nor is Lee Seung Gi, who played in the hit drama My Girlfriend is a Nine Tailed Fox. Lee Seung Gi also sings many of the songs on the amazing soundtrack.

Watch clips of some romantic scenes from Gu Family Book to the OST MV] 더원(The One) _ Best Wishes to you(잘 있나요)(Kangchi, the Beginning(구가의 서)OST Pt.6):

Gu Family Book engages with a lively pace, and a unique combination of fantasy, action, historic tapestry, and romance (plenty of romance, but no kiss until episode 17), all beautifully interwoven. This is a hopelessly endearing and charming drama.

Synopsis
Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi) is convincing as a charming, mythical creature with special powers. His father is thousand years old gumiho mountain spirit named Gu Wol Ryung. Abandoned by his human biological mother, he is adopted by another human, played by Lee Yeon Hee. As part of a subplot, she is the daughter of a Yangban killed for the treason.

Lee Seung Gi, always charming with his famous trademark smile, helped bring Gu Family Book to number one in the Nielsen Ratings in Korea.

Kang Chi, found floating in a river by the Park family grew up oblivious of his magical heritage, apparently a human child, unaware of his heredity or special nature for twenty years. Oblivious, he lived his life under the care of Park Moo Sol, the righteous owner of 100 Year Inn.

His life changes with the arrival of a stranger at the inn. Suddenly, Kang Chi’s life is swept up in a tsunami of mysteries. In a twist, Kang Chi was forced to be under the protection of his father’s slayer Pyung Joon. A dramatic incident helps Kang Chi realize his his half human-half fairy creature.

Lee Seung Gi, uses is foxy good looks to play a half fox (supernatural creature)-half human in the inventive fantasy-romance Korean Drama Gu Family Book.

Progress Review

Gu Family Book maintained high quality and garnered rave reviews with each episodes, steadily growing from 7th place in episode one to 1st at episode 20 in the Nielsen Ratings. Romantic tensions between Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi) and  Dam Yeo Wool (Bae Suzy) is a major driving force behind the popularity of this drama.

Lee Seung Gi, an engaging and versatile actor with superb comic styling and appealing looks, helps hold the interest of fans, but the story is inventive enough to stand on its own merits.

The supernatural aspects his not unique to Korean drama, but doesn’t always work to draw large audiences, yet here it is part of a tightly written and acted drama sure to please. The art direction is also worth mentioning, with a camera that loves all the characters.

Lee Seung Gi helped make Gu Family Book a number one hit.

Korean Drama- Gu Family Book
Korean Title- Gugai Seo
Genre- romance fusion, period fantasy
Episode- 24
Director- Shin Woo Cheol
Writer- Kang Eun Kyung
Broadcast Channel- MBC

Main Cast

Lee Sueng Gi as Choi Kang Chi
Bae Su Ji as Dam Yeo Wool
Lee Sung Jae as Jo Kwan Wong
Lee Yoo Bi as park Cheong Jo

Supporting Cast

Lee Yeon Hee as Yoon Seo Hwa (young)
Yoon Se Ah as Yoon Seo Hwa (old)
Choi Jin Hyuk as Gu Wol Ryung
Sung Joon as Geon
Yon Yeon Seok as Park Tae Seo

Other Credits
Dam Pyung Joon
Haengsu
Admiral Lee Soon Shin
Sung
Wol Sun
Gob Dan
Deputy Seo

Internationally understood slapstick humour helps make Gangnam style a runaway hit on YouTube and iTunes (number one currently).

What could be the reason for the runaway hit Gangnam Style?
By Pat Wheeler

One of the most popular songs today is the Gangnam Style, a surprise to many, and a delight to all who watch the video on YouTube. It’s currently number one on iTunes. In two months, it hit 230 million views and spun off hundreds of spin offs. But why is a cool, Korean Rap song such a hit around the world? Gangnam Style is a Korean pop single, but it success goes beyond just a great song by the Korean artist and rapper PSY.

Whacky humor and a total lack of restraint makes Gangnam Style fun to watch for everyone in almost any culture. It’s just fun.

Humor?
PSY is funny. Period. No one can disagree. Everyone who watches the video laughs. So, it may be that simple. Possible reason number one for it’s cult-hit status is humour that transcends international borders. The scenes are funny, Mr-Bean-Style—by that I mean you don’t need to understand the language to get the fun.

The “horse dance” or Gangnam step is one of the other reasons the video is infectious. The dancestep is infectious and has appeared in parodies—and dance clubs—around the world.

Catchy Rhythm and Dance?
Most rap songs have a catchy rhythm, but there’s more to it that that here. There’s an underlying charm that goes beyond just a driving rhythm. It’s the Gangnam Style dance, so perfectly in synch with the rhythm—sort of a combination of horse-back riding and skipping. It’s just fun to watch as PSY so elegantly trots through the steps, now known as the Gangnam Syle Dance. He didn’t just create a great song, and a funny video, he invented a new dance that’s being mimicked around the world.

Don’t believe me? Just watch, and tell me you’re not as charmed as I—and 230 million others.

As of September 20, 2012, the music video has received a total of over 230 million views, making it as Youtube’s most viewed K-Pop video. Even top artists from America like Katy Perry and T-Pain have already shared it on their twitter accounts. In addition to that, it also has been featured in various international media outlets like CNN International and The Wall Street Journal.

K-Pop Sensation
Korean music, like Korean drama is a major international export. People in countries around the world are addicted to the K.

Totally unexpected and seemingly unrelated comical scenes thread through Gangnam Style, giving it timeless energy. Although this is K-Rap (Korean Rap) it’s finding audiences around the world by the hundreds of millions.

K-Pop is normally slick and sexy and the singers gorgeous (male or female). With Gangnam Style, it PSY puts a pin in that balloon. Pop.

There’s nothing conventional about PSY. Is it his humour? His very unique and addictive dance? His singing? His rap? The whacky slapstick scenes? There’s no one answer, other than the personality of this video is just universally appealing.

Parodies and Mobs
Parodies have appeared all around the world. Even though K-pop is popular around the world–some call it the Korean Wave—Gangnam style was probably the very first song to have featured in major international media outlets. The Gangnam factor is also boosted by well-known A-List artists from America such as T-pain, tweeting and posting and raving about the Gangnam sensation.

The post Why is the World Dancing Gangnam Style? appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

With thirty-four dramas premiering this August, what to watch?  What promises the best writing, acting, entertainment value? We have to choose from seven dramas from KBS2—our favorite for writing quality–and seven more from MBC, featuring big stars. Two of the ten premiering shows from SBS made it to our top five list.

There is a lot to look forward to. We can only choose based on story, actors and past history of directors—and especially writers. Big stars don’t always equal great entertainment when the writing is soft.

So, here are F&B’s picks for top five prospects for a really worthwhile watch. For a full list of all premiering dramas, see the end of this feature. Do you agree? Tell us your picks in comments at the bottom of this story.

Good Doctor, starring the ratings prince Joo Won, is a Films & Books pick for top five drama for August 2013.

Good Doctor  굿닥터

This medical drama stars Joo Won as Park Shi On – a medical pediatrics genius who has the mentality of a 10-year-old. Having struggled all his life with a mental disability, he finds it hard to relate to other people but finds solace in his ability to execute complicated surgeries. He finds himself entangled in a love triangle between fellow doctors in the hospital where he works. Mix all these elements together and you have a much anticipated drama from Korea’s undisputed Prince of Ratings Joo Won.
Directed by Ki Min-Soo, Good Doctor will be shown on KBS2 on Mondays and Tuesdays from August 5 to October 8.

• Directed by: Ki Min-Soo
• Written by: Park Jae-Bun

View the trailer for Good Doctor, starring Joo Won as a genius pediatric doctor who is autistic:

Two Weeks  투윅스

Singer, actor, and overall heartthrob Lee Jon Ki plays Jang Tae San in this action-packed drama and romantic thriller that reminisces the storylines of Hollywood film The Fugitive and TV show 24. Jang Tae San is wrongfully accused of murder and runs from the law after discovering that he has a daughter who is dying of leukemia. The entire drama spans two weeks as Jang Tae San desperately struggles to save his daughter, all the while running from the law and a professional killer who’s out to assassinate him. Full of action and drama, Two Weeks will get you on the edge of your seats as it takes you on a roller coaster ride full of car chases and tear jerking scenes that will keep your heart racing.
Directed by Sun Hyung Suk and Choi Jung Kyu, Two Weeks will be shown on MBC, Wednesdays and Thursdays from August 7 to October 10.

• Directed by: Son Hyung Suk, Choi Jung Kyu
• Written by: So Hyeon-Kyeong

View the Trailer for Two Weeks:

Ruby’s Ring  루비의 반지

From the network that gives Korea the highest quality K-dramas, come Ruby’s Ring. It’s about two sisters, Luna, played by Lee So-yeon and Ruby, played by Lim Jeong-eun, whose faces and lives interchange after a car accident. What do you think will happen when they live each other’s lives? A whole lot of drama and betrayal ensues in this upcoming drama that makes you question the bond between sisters.
Directed by Jeon San, Ruby’s Ring will be shown on KBS2 from Mondays to Fridays beginning on August 19.

• Directed by: Jeon San
• Written by: Hwang Soon-Yeong

An action thrill ride awaits those who tune in to Two Weeks, a top five pick from Films & Books for August 2013.

The Women’s Room  두 여자의 방

A hotel heiress loses everything and fights to get back the life she lost from the woman whom she thought was her friend. Starring Park Eun-hye as the envy of all women in the character of Min Kyeong-chal, watch her fall from grace as her transformation from heiress to maid makes for a gut wrenching drama that will make you wonder whether she’ll get back her room, her man, and family from Wang Bit-na’s character Eun Hee-Soo.
Directed by Lee Myeong-Woo , The Women’s Room will be shown on SBS from Mondays to Fridays beginning on August 5.

• Directed by: Lee Myeong-Woo
• Written by: Seol Kyeong-eun

Master’s Sun   주군의 태양

Award-winning actor So Ji Sub plays Joo Jong Won, a distant and ambitious CEO who only sees the value of people through money in this upcoming romantic drama from the network SBS. Watch him fall slowly and deeply in love with Taw Gong Sil, played by Gong Hyo Jin, his quirky assistant who suffers from insomnia after developing the ability to see ghosts after a traumatic accident. The Addams-family-esque setting makes for a drama that is tinged with horror, fantasy, and comedy – setting the dramatic backdrop of the classic love story of a cold man’s heart being melted by a simple girl.
Directed by Jin Hyuk, Master’s Sun will be shown on SBS, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting August 7.

• Directed by: Jin Hyuk
• Written by: Hong Mi Ran, Hong Jung Eun

Full List of Premiering Korean Dramas in August 2013

KBS2

• Good Doctor 굿닥터 2013-Aug-05 Joo Won, Joo Sang Wook, Moon Chae Won, Kwak Do Won, Kim Min Seo
• Ruby’s Ring 루비의 반지 2013-Aug-19 Lee So Yeon, Im Jung Eun, Kim Suk Hoon, Park Kwang Hyun, Lee Hyun Woo
• The Wang Family 왕가네 식구들 2013-Aug-31 Oh Man Suk, Oh Hyun Kyung, Lee Tae Ran, Lee Yoon Ji, Han Joo Wan
• Secret (KBS2) 비밀 2013-Sep-11
• Looking Forward to Romance 연애를 기대해 2013-Sep BoA, Choi Daniel, Im Si Wan, Kim Ji Won
• The Future Choice 미래의 선택 2013-Oct
• Age of Feeling 감격시대 2013-Nov

The post August 2013 Season: Top 5 Korean Dramas appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

“It’s because of my bunny and my brother. The day that the tree smelled like ice-cream, my bunny went to heaven in front of my eyes. The day the railroad tracks smelled like rusting irons my brother went to heaven in front of my eyes.” These lines delivered by brilliant actor Joo Won, playing an autistic savant doctor, promise award-winning writing and performances both, from premiering Korean drama Good Doctor.

Moon Joo Won perfectly plays an autistic savant doctor in Good Doctor, marked by brilliant acting and superb script writing. In this scene, Dr. Park Shi On surprises female doctor Yoon Seo, naked with toothbrush as she wakes up from a drinking binge. She assumes the worse, throws pillows, threatens the police, while a placid and curious Shi On continues to brush his teeth.

Five out Five Thumbs

From the beginning the viewers is hurled into the story, with a big “help me” scene—a child hurt by a falling sign on the railway platform, and a autistic savant genius Shi On using pens and crude instruments to save him. The scene is breathtaking, as good as as the best of medical dramas, all the more gripping because we already know he’s a savant genius. We give episodes 1-2 Five out of Five Thumbs Up.

Bound to become iconic of the film, and a remembered line, autistic savant character Shi On, played by Joo Won, says, “My Bunny went to heaven in front of my eyes.” This explains why he became a doctor. The writing in Good Doctor is award-winning quality.

The series opens with a sad, meaningful memory-laden walk up the railway tracks leading to an even sadder flashback, Good Doctor starts off with an emotional punch that delivers a near knock out from scene one. As a reviewer, I rarely appreciate flashbacks, but in this drama it’s a near art form as we sweep seamlessly between adult Park Shi On and young boy in touching, endearing, engaging vignettes that almost stand alone.

Good Doctor a Tearjerker

You know this drama will be a tearjerker the moment the rabbit dies, and a helpless autistic savant Shi On’s life-course is set, a collision course with the medical establishment that won’t tolerate his uniqueness. Yet there are many laughs along the way, suspense in the medical drama, and a likely romance triangle brewing between our hero, savant Shi On,  beautiful Cha Yoon Seo (played by a stunning Moon Chae Won) and arrogant doctor Kim Do Han (Joo Sang Wook).

In a suspense-filled scene, laced with humour, Joo Won’s autistic doctor character hijacks a dying child from the ward and races with him to surgery without permission, chased by an irate head nurse.

Joo Won is utterly convincing in the challenging role as an autistic savant. Just watch the subtleties: the ever-active eyes, taking everything in, the child-like curiosity about everything, his gaze apparently not focused on anything and everything at once; the way he speaks to himself as he’s finding his way through the bus system; the wonder on his face when he puts on 3d glasses and plays with the 3D TV. You can’t help but love the guy  as a character—and the actor playing the role.

Dr. Shi On, autistic savant, played brilliantly by Joo Won, acts out a surgery with his hands, while in his head he visualizes saving a child’s life.

Highlights: Spoiler Alert

Shi On follows the child he saved in the dramatic opening to the hospital. What we don’t yet know, is he’s a doctor on his way to be interviewed by the committee at a University Hospital. Instead of going to the interview, he follows the child he saved into surgery.

Doctor’s think he’s a guardian in shock, because of his “odd behaviour,” but Dr. Kim Do Han, the surgeon, notices Shi On  repeating over and over: “echo… echo… echo”. Orderlies drag the “crazy guy” away. Outside surgery, he appears to go into a trance and we see him performing the surgery in his vivid visualization, brilliantly edited with takes of the live operation happening inside the surgery theatre. Watching Joo Won imagine the surgery with his hands, reinforces this reviewer’s opinion of his uncanny charater-acting ability. He’s graceful, like a dancer, clearly in another place.

High comedy winds its way through the Good Doctor Drama, softening the tearjerker moments and high suspense of the medical drama. Here, Yoon Seo mistakes Shi On of being a naked intruder in her house. In fact, she stumbled into his apartment in a drunken haze the night before.

Writing and Screenplay

Among the best first episode writing we’ve reviewed in awhile. The pace is perfect, a sensitive topic handled gracefully, and the script is full of lovely soundbites from Shi On’s character:

In one flashback, he asks his mentor, “If i become a doctor… can I make someone not go to heaven?”  This is a turning point in the boy Shi On’s life, as he is determined to become a doctor, a prodigy in fact, helped by a kindly mentor/doctor.

Later, when the adult Shi On is being reluctantly interviewed by the Hospital committee on residency status, the absolute brilliance of the screenwriting becomes more evident:

Hospital director “Why do you want to be a doctor here?”

“It’s because of my bunny and my brother. The day that the tree smelled like ice-cream, my bunny went to heaven in front of my eyes. The day the railroad tracks smelled like rusting irons my brother went to heaven in front of my eyes. Neither had a chance to become an adult. I wanted them to become adults. I wanted them to have kids of their own and love those kids. I wanted that for them more than anything. I also want to earn a lot of money so I can buy a 3D television for the kids from my childhood orphanage.”

“Welcome Dr. Park Shi On”

“The children have never seen one. I want to show it to them.” Lines perfectly delivered by Joo Won, playing an autistic savant doctor. Elegant, beautiful script writing makes Good Drama worth a watch.

Without giving away too much of the plot, here are some of the reasons we rate this drama as special:

1. The subtle details: Shi On, fascinated by the rubix cube in his superior’s office, can’t help himself but to solve it in minutes — a puzzle that his superior had struggled with for two weeks.
2. The unique love triangle: yes, it’s K-Drama so we must have one, but here’s it’s unique, clearly set up between autistic doctor Park Shi On, arrogant professor Kim Do Han and love interest  Cha Yoon Seo—relationships so tense from the beginning, that a blow up leads to the inevitable drinking binge.
3. Visual brilliance: the flashback to the chocolate cakes and a birthday candle as a child, then forward to Joo Won’s (Park Shi On) as he celebrates his birthday by himself, blowing out a single candle… so exquisitely poignant.
4. Real humour, not slapstick: evidence the scene when Yoon Seo mistakenly (drunkenly) walks into the apartment and strips down in front of an incredulous Joo Won—thinking it’s her apparent (she lives upstairs). Priceless. Hilarious. And when she wakes up and finds him in his underwear standing over her… it’s a can’t  stop laughing scene. She says “turn your head” meaning don’t look, and he does a casual roll of his head. Joo Won’s having fun with this role, even though it’s definitely going to be a tear-jerker.

The stakes are high for the hospital in Good Doctor. Shi On, an autistic savant doctor saved a child on national television, forcing them to hire him as a temporary resident. The hospital’s reputation is on the line. Shi On’s mentor, the hospital director, will lose his job if Shin On fails as a doctor.

Episode 2 Even Better

Episode 2 gets even better, with Joo Won’s brilliant character literally shaking up the hospital to its foundations. He discovers a negligent managing doctor, and insists the child get new surgery, even when everyone tells him to mind his own business. He hijacks a dying child patient on his gurney and rolls him high speed down the hospital corridors, chased by an unamused head nurse. He forces the hospital to perform surgery on the kid, despite orders from the manager to wait.

“This is my house,” Shi On (Joo Won) says to invader—and possible future love interest—Yoon Seo (played by Moon Chae Won)

The characters in episode 2 find their own, with arrogant Do Han becoming more human and savant Shi On becoming more incense and layered. In every way, episode 2 takes us deeper into this subtle milieu of characters. The unexpected sucker punch thrown at Shi On by boss Do Han, with a curt “don’t let me ever see him again” was a totally unexpected outcome after Shi On’s brilliance saved the child.

Autistic Savant character Dr. Shi On, played by Moon Joo On being “force fed” by well-meaning Doctor Cha Yoon Seo

Exciting pace, deep characterizations, and genuine tension mixed with laughs make episode 2 perhaps even better than 1.

Films and Books editors predict it will be among the best this August, though the initial ratings had episode 1 come in at 5th and episode 2 in 3rd in the ratings. This is a typical profile in Korean drama, as it takes at least 4-6 episodes to find it’s ratings level. Normally an upward trend is a good sign. Certainly, the opening episode’s promise a very fulfilling and entertaining drama that, so far, we rate five out of five Thumbs Up.

 Watch it on DramaFever with English subtitles>

Other Titles:굿 닥터 / Goot Dakteo and 그린 메스 / Geurin Meseu (Green Scalpel)

Main Cast

• Joo Won as Park Shi Ohn

• Choi Ro Woon as child Shi Ohn

• Moon Chae Won as Cha Yoon Seo

• Joo Sang Wook as Kim Do Han

• Kim Min Seo as Yoo Chae Kyung

Nurses

• Go Chang Suk as Jo Jung Mi (senior nurse)

• Jin Kyung as Nam Joo Yun (chief)

• Lee Ah Rin (이아린) as Ga Kyung (nurse)

• Ha Kyu Won (하규원) as Hye Jin (nurse)

Hospital Bosses

• Chun Ho Jin as Choi Woo Suk (director)

• Kwak Do Won as Kang Hyun Tae (deputy director)

• Na Young Hee as Lee Yeo Won (chief director)

• Jo Hee Bong as Go Choong Man (chief of Department of Pediatric Surgery)

• Lee Ki Yeol as Lee Hyuk Pil (managing director of hospital foundation)

• Jung Man Shik as Kim Jae Joon (chief of Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery)

Other Doctors

• Kim Young Kwang as Han Jin Wook (four-year residency)

• Yoon Park as Woo Il Kyu (two-year residency)

• Yoon Bong Gil as Hong Kil Nam (two-year residency)

• Wang Ji Won (왕지원) as Kim Sun Joo (intern)

• Kim Hyun Soo (김현수) as Na In Hae

• Uhm Hyun Kyung as Na In Young

The Quartet of Children’s Ward

• Ahn Sung Hoon (안성훈) as Lee Woo Ram

• Yoo Je Gun (유제건) as Park Ho Suk

• Lee Jang Kyung (이장경) as Kim Ye Eun

• Oh Eun Chan (오은찬) as Cha Dong Jin

Other People

• Jung Ho Geun as Park Choon Sung (Shi Ohn’s father)

• Yoon Yoo Sun as Oh Kyung Joo (Shi Ohn’s mother)

• Seo Hyun Chul as Byung Soo

Production Credits

• Production Company: Logos Film

• Chief Producer: Kim Sung Geun

• Producer: Lee Jae Hoon (이재훈), Park Woo Ram (박우람)

• Director: Ki Min Soo, Kim Jin Woo (김진우)

• Screenwriter: Park Jae Bum

The post Good Doctor Review: Ep 1 and 2 — Joo Won Exceptional, Series Addictive appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

So far, 2013 has had no runaway blockbuster dramas, in the magic 40% plus range. Within different times slots, it’s hardly fair to compare ratings as a measure of top ten hits and misses—because ratings in one time slot might be successful, while the same rating in another is a failure—but F&B is going to do it anyway. Here are the top hits and misses in the first half of 2013, based on ratings.

I Hear Your Voice topped the ratings for the early 2013 season.

Since there’s no other reliable way to predict a hit or miss in Korean Drama, we’re going with raw ratings from AGB Nielsen. With all the variables — actors, script, time slot, competition, even world events — a sure-win hit can miss and a likely-to-miss can be gold. Some of the misses in K-Drama’s 2013′s first season are a surprise, most aren’t (The End of the World, for example). When a Man Loves was expected to do better, but is still not a miss in the ratings, although it’s in sixth place. Gu Family Book was expected to be a big hit, but landed in 5th place, respectable, but not all that. That Winter, The Wind Blows we expected to be one of the top three, but landed fourth. Who would have thought Nine: Time Travel Nine Times would be top three—another time travel drama?—but brought soaring through entirely unique plot twists. And I Hear Your Voice beat all expectations due to ingenious writing, that just made every episode a pleasure.

Based solely on the ratings (AGB, for the first half of 2013, here are ten Korean drama hits and misses for the first half of 2013 (assume a miss for 10-6, depending on your standard) in reverse order—misses at the top, hits at bottom:

10. The End of the World  (negligible ratings)

This drama was a definite miss, with the show’s episodes being cut to just 12 from the original 20. Yoon Je Moon, Jang Kyung Ah, and Jang Hyun Jung star in this drama about a group of doctors who are trying to find a cure to a mysterious disease that are causing thousands of people to die. Directed by Ahn Pan Suk and written by Park Hye Ryun, The End of the World may have a very thrilling back story but it definitely failed in the ratings. Huge Miss. It’s the end of their world.

9. The Queen’s Classroom (9.1% average)

Ko Hyun Jung starred as Ma Yeo Jin in this drama, where the story revolved around her being a cold hearted 6th grade teacher and her students who rebelled against her. Definitely not the typical K-drama that one would expect, it received low ratings but was praised by its viewers for giving a new take on its storyline and characters. It was directed by Lee Dog Yoon and written by Kim Won Suk and Kim Eun Hee. Miss, but appreciated by fans. 

8. Shark  (9.5 % average, finished at 11.7%)

Kim Nam Gil played Han Yi Soo/Yoshimura Junichiro, a man who returns to Korea from Japan to take revenge on those who were responsible for this family’s demise. This romantic and thrilling drama was directed by Park Chan Hong and Cha Young Hoon and written by Kim Ji Woo. The storyline is not really unique but it received average reviews from viewers who enjoyed it, even with its confusing finale. Technical Miss.

7. Ten 2

Special Affairs Team Ten Season 2 was a follow up to Ten, where a criminal investigation unit takes on South Korea’s most violent crimes. Joo Sang-Wook played the head of the crime unit while Jo An played the officer who has psychological reasoning powers. This suspense and thriller made audiences hold their breaths with their twists and turns that left them hanging on the edge of their seats. Even though each episode was much anticipated by its fans, it didn’t really reach a very wide audience due to the sensitive subject matters of the crimes.  A miss, didn’t get wide acceptance.

6. When a Man Loves  (Average 11.4%, finished 13.3%)

Song Seung Hun, Shin Se Kyung, and Chae Jung Ahn played the main characters of this romantic drama about a man who fell in love with his dead boss’s woman, and met another younger woman altogether. Directed by Kim Sang Ho and Choi Byung Gil and written by Kim In Young, When a Man Loves received good ratings all throughout its airing. A technical miss by the ratings.

5. That Winter, The Wind Blows  (15.4% average, finished 3rd in slot at 18.2%)

A beautiful cast and a beautiful storyline made this drama a hit across the nation. Jo In Sung and Song Hye Kyu played the main characters where the man intended to use the blind woman’s money to pay off his debt but ended up falling for her instead. Directed by Kim Kyu Tae and written by Noh Hee Kyung, this drama had a tremendous start in the ratings but slowly dropped after the 12th episode.  A hit, but expected to do better.

4. Gu Family Book  (18.7% average, finished 1st in its slot at 22.9%)

Choi Kang Chi played a half human half mythical creature in this fantasy, romantic drama that revolved around the character’s struggles to live as a human being. Directed by Shin Woo Chul and written by Kang Eun Kyung, the actors’ great chemistry made audiences asking for another season.

3. Nine: Time Travel Nine Times 나인: 아홉 번의 시간 여행 / Nain: Ahob Beonui Shikan Yeohaeng

Though audiences had seen the back story of this drama in several films, the episodes were truly unique and unexpected. Scoring high in the ratings, Park Sun-Woo played the anchorman who received 9 incenses that made him travel 20 years back. Directed by Kim Byung So and written by Song Jae Jung and Kim Yoon Joo, this ingenious drama started out slow but kept its audiences holding their breaths with each unpredictable episode.

2. Cruel City 무정도시 / Moojungdoshi

Starring Jung Kyung-ho, Nam Gyu-ri and Lee Jae-Yoon, this suspense drama revolved around the love and struggles of undercover agents and their investigations against an infamous drug ring. It was the perfect mix of danger, romance, and intrigue, making the show a big hit in the ratings. The show was directed by Jang Yong-woo and Lee Jeong-hyo, and written by Yoo Seong-yeol.

1. I Hear Your Voice  너의 목소리가 들려 / Neoui Moksoriga Deulryeo (average 20.7%, finished first in spot at 24.8%)

Always at the top of the ratings during its airing, this drama’s unique and genius writing in each and every episode made it the number one K-drama to watch from June to the end July. Yoon Sang Hyun, Lee Jong Suk, and Lee Bo Young played public defenders who took on the toughest cases with only 1% winning chances. Directed by Jo Soo Won and written by Park Hye Ryun, it was hard to separate the actor from the characters, mixing superb acting and incredible stories was the perfect formula for this national king of drama ratings.

The post By the Numbers: Korean Drama Hits and Misses 2013 appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

First, and admission: Master’s Sun 주군의 태양 (Joogoonui Taeyang) is the type of Korean drama I’ve always had a real weakness for. A combination of love story, strong acting and a touch of the supernatural. Yes, the formula is there for success, but have they been able to execute to their potential. Now that we’re a few episodes into Master’s Sun let’s take a look!

A top cast makes Master’s Sun a must-see for fans of Korean Drama.

Lead Actors: 5 Stars

Master’s Sun stars the beautiful Kong Hyo-jin who is wildly popular in Asia especially when it comes to drama with a slight supernatural twist. Her being a lead in Master’s Sun certainly has raised hopes for the drama after her being recently named one of the top actresses in Korea as well as being half of one of the most popular Asian couples. Her past credits include the quite awesome “Memento Mori” and the critically acclaimed “Pasta”. So far she is as powerful as ever in Master’s Sun.playing the gorgeous yet melancholy Tae Gong Shil the assistant who is both blessed and cursed with the ability to see ghosts.

Watch the trailer of Master’s Sun:

Playing the devil to Kong Hyo-jin’s angel is the Korean heart throb So Ji Sub. In true Korean actor spirit So Ji Sub has been a great success as a model, an actor and a musician. Here he steps a bit out of the way he’s been cast in the past, his character Joo Joong Won being a self-centered and egotistical CEO who carries most of the least appealing aspects of the capitalist ethos. No fear though since it’s clear some chemistry between our two leads are sure to heat up quickly.

Master’s Sun did a great jpb in casting.

Story and Script: 5 Stars

Very well scripted and the story of Master’s Sun is intriguing. I, for one, count the days until each new episode!

Production: 4.5

StarsSBS has clearly spent some money to deliver a great show, not only on casting, but also in production values. The scenes and sets look great and carry the feel of the show very well. Great production for a Korean drama. Or really for any drama at all!

Originality: 4 Stars

Master’s Sun’s story doesn’t knock us over with fresh ideas, but it is well scripted and interesting so far. K-Drama is not always the place to expect trailblazing new plot lines after all. We do expect the formula to be done well. Master’s Sun has delivered. Not completely original, but almost completely intriguing.

The Story So Far

Episode 1 of Master’s Sun started off with a bang! It introduces us to both Tae Gong Shil and both her ability to see ghosts and her less than ideal lifestyle working cleaning apartments while seeing spirits materialize and haunt her, along with the quite unpleasant Joo Joong Won as their destinies have them cross paths. Clearly we see Joo Joong Won will have a need for Tae Gong Shil’s abilities and perhaps more importantly her more human way of viewing the world. A side story of a wedding being haunted by a former love’s ghost rounds out the story quiet excitedly. Great start for the series!

Episode 2 saw Master’s Sun pick up the pace with both the Korean drama elements as well as the spooky supernatural end of things. Tae Gong Shil appears to be approaching mental breakdown from a combination of ghostly encounters and sleep deprivation. This brings us to some cute humorous scenes between her and Joo Joong Won which are clear to get hotter in the episodes to come. The plot takes clever turns with Joo Joong Won assuming Tae Gong Shil is making attempts to seduce him rather than convey to him messages from beyond. Both cute and a bit scarey while not losing it’s humor. This path for Master’s Sun seems a near guarantee of success.

Final Thoughts

Master’s Sun has great promise so far and is doing very well in the Korean drama ratings arena. I suspect it’s only going to get better and better, Fully recommended. It’s few weaknesses may even make it more endearing over the long run!

About

Title: 주군의 태양 / Joogoonui Taeyang

Genre: Horror, fantasy, romance, comedy

Episodes: 16

Broadcast network: SBS

Broadcast period: 2013-Aug-07 to 2013-???-??

Air time: Wenesday & Thursday 10pm

Main Cast

• So Ji Sub as Joo Joong Won / Joo-goon

• Gong Hyo Jin as Tae Gong Sil / Tae-yang

• Seo In Guk as Kang Woo

• Kim Yoo Ri as Tae Yi Ryung

By James Porr

The post Review: Master’s Sun appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

Most of the KDramas that began in the 3rd quarter of the year are wrapping up and it’s time for a set of new shows to fill your KDrama fix every day of the week. From family to romantic dramas, to fantasy and heart wrenching stories, here are the top 4 Kdramas to watch this October.

The Heirs  (상속자들 / Sangsok Jadeul)

Taking inspiration from the popular US TV show Gossip Girl, this KDrama is about the lives of a group of rich and young high school students, with the focus on the relationship between the characters ultra-rich Kim Tan and the modest Cha Eun Sang, who comes from a rather poor family. The Heirs will begin showing on October 9 at SBS network, starring Lee Min Ho as the dashing Kim Tan and Park Shin Hye as Cha Eun Sang. With a beautiful cast and a theme that the masses can relate to, young girls will definitely look forward to the romance between the two characters, making them wish they were in Cha Eun Sang’s shoes as the ordinary girl who gets to have the rich, handsome guy in school. Though the chemistry between Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye is questionable, audiences will definitely be watching this much anticipated show for its attractive cast and its hip and current storyline.

Medical Top Team  메디컬 탑팀 / Medikeol Taptim

Showing on MBC on October 9, this highly anticipated medical drama of a group of doctors who are the best in their fields has received much buzz mainly due to its supporting star, Minho. From the popular boy band Shinee, Minho brings KPop fans to the small screen with his role as a doctor. The main stars are Kwon Sang Woo and Jung Ryeo Won, and also includes Ju Jin Hoon – who is returning to the network after 7 years of being banned due to a drug scandal. The show’s storyline is pretty basic, and it may even be just another medical drama, but its stars are what will bring the show its success.

Marry Him If You Dare  미래의 선택 / Mi Rae-ui Suntaek

Set in the world of broadcasting, Yoo Eun-hye stars as Na Mi-rae, a woman who travels back in time to her 32-year-old self to prevent her from marrying her husband, news anchor Kim Shin, who is played by Lee Dong-gun. She then takes herself to a different path and pursues her dream of becoming a news writer. Showing in October 14 on KBS2, this show will be the first for its two main male casts for quite some time. Lee Dong-gun, who hasn’t been seen acting for 5 years, and Jung Yong-hwa for 2 years, make up this all-star and stellar cast. Together with an all-star crew, this show is set to make waves with the late-20s crowd.

A Little Love Never Hurts  사랑해서 남주나 / Saranghaeseo Namjoona

Starring Lee Sang aired in September 28 in MBC, the show is receiving praise and are enjoying a steady pace of loyal watchers. If the show meet expectations of audiences, then they will definitely enjoy a higher place in KDrama rankings.

The post Preview: Top Four Picks for October Korean Dramas appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

Have Jae-rim makes a big comeback in the Korean film industry with the launch of the historical movie The Face Reader 관상 (Gwansang). With a rich and complex plot, arresting characters, a terrific cast—and an entertaining climax—this film is already a success. Featuring beautiful cinematography and realistic set design, this period movie captures the mid-1450s era’s beauty majestically. This film also marks the comeback of Han JaeRim, whose last film The Show Must Go On was released in the year 2007.

View the trailer:

Review By R.V.F. Salman

Plot and Writing

Rating – 4/5

Typical of Korean movies and dramas, character leads plot. Here, the story is clever and revolves around a unique premise.

One of Korea’s most talented physiognomists (face reader fortune teller), Nae-gyeong, is living a very lonely life along with his son and his brother-in-law. Then, one starry night he is unexpectedly recruited by the gisaeng (Korean geisha: officially sanctioned female entertainers) Yeon-hong.

There, he is involved with a murder case, which he solves with his face reading skills. This attracts the attention of King Munjung, who wants to identify the traitors in his administration. Later, when the king dies, he leaves behind a cunning advisor and a grand prince, who are both embroiled in a conflict with the real successor to the throne. Nae-gyeong gets entangled in the power struggle and the conflict.

Performances

Rating – 4/5

The Face Reader is a performance powerhouse featuring many interesting characters, each important to the story. Although there’s a protagonist, all the actors share the burden of delivering a strong overall performance.

Song Kang-ho delivers a solid performance as the face reader and portrays a range of emotions that seems effortless. Other great performances include Baek Yoon-shik, who exudes confidence. Kim Hye-soo, who plays the beautiful gisaeng—and suits the role perfectly. Jo Jung-seok plays an iconic comic relief character that actually works (not just the token clown). Even the relatively minor supporting characters, played by actors such as Lee Jung-seok, rise above the ordinary.

The most surprising performance, however, is delivered by Lee Jung-jae, who plays the scheming prince. He delivers so convincingly, it rises to the level of powerhouse performance.

Production

Rating 5/5

The production on this film is rich in detail, not Hollywood lavish, but very layered and convincing. Being a period drama film, it does require above-average production values just to deliver on the scripts demands. From the exquisite sets to the rich costumes, the producers ensured the film is as authentic as possible. Without doubt, this is the best produced Korean movie this year.

Art Direction

Rating – 5/5

In art direction, The Face Reader truly excels. With detailed framing and beautiful lighting meticulously handled throughout the movie, it rises above typical production, even for a major theatrical release. The visuals are breathtaking, but they don’t distract from the plot. Notably, the soundtrack also adds to the mood of the movie.

Entertainment Value

Rating 4.5/5

With a running time of around 142 minutes, The Face Reader (Gwansang) delivers the story with just the right pace, engaging the audience without overwhelming them. The film surprises again and again with its clever writing and picture-perfect cinematography. The multitude of richly developed characters also add to the experience. The Face Reader is highly recommended for all audiences.

Cast and Credits

• Run Time 142 minutes
• Production Jupiter Film

Cast

• Yun-shik Baek  as  Kim Jong-seo
• Jo Jeong-Seok as  Paeng-hun
• Hye-su Kim as Yeon-hong
• Jung-Jae Lee as Prince Suyang
• Kang-ho Song as Nae-kyung

Production

• Directed by Jae-rim Han
• Writing credits Dong-Hyuk Kim
• Produced by  Woo-Jae Kim

The post 관상 The Face Reader Review: Return of Han Jae-rim appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

Unemployed Romance is a dramatic comedy that began airing October 5 throughout South Korea on E Channel—and on Drama Fever for international audiences. Each episode lasts about 50 minutes in length, and there are 10 episodes currently planned. The series loosely follows a young unemployed woman after she leaves her job, and then meets a young man at the unemployment office. She will try to follow her dreams of becoming a successful writer, though she will face a lot of difficulties along the way. The story will involve quite a few other characters, including her former father in law who once employed her. The series is growing in popularity, so it may interest many people to start following it soon. It stars Lee Young-Ah as Im Seung hee and Namgung Min as Jong Dae.

Cast and Performances

5 of 5

When you watch episodes of Unemployed Romance, Korean Drama fans will immediately be impressed. The story will primarily focus on the character portrayed by Lee Young-Ah, who does an admirable job of holding the viewers attention. She creates an interesting and sympathetic character that will captivate the audience as she goes through stages in her life. Namgung Min is also believable as her romantic opposite, since he is also in a difficult phase in his life as well. They seem well suited for each other, which makes for an interesting budding romance to follow. Many of the other cast members do a great job of filling in the borders of this show, but the highlight is certainly the main two stars of the series.

Story and Script

4 of 5

The story is well penned and believable, since many young people all over the world are facing similar situations these days. It will loosely follow the Seung-Hee character throughout each episode as she struggles to make a living, surviving off of the unemployment checks that she receives. There is a fair degree of creativity, since the same storyline is told through two different perspectives. It is refreshing to see a drama storyline told through a female character’s perspective. But besides the two main characters, there may not be enough to hold the interest of some people out there.

Nam Goong Min stars in Unemployed Romance.

Production

4 of 5

Since this is an episodic series that was made for television, you wouldn’t expect to see high production values. But many of the scenes are cinematic in the quality that they portray. You will believe you are watching these characters as they move from location to location. A number of people will be glad to get to the world that these two young lovers inhabit. But over the course of the series, some viewers may have trouble staying interested in these locations.

Lee Young Ah is the leading character in Unemployed Romance, cute and perky as always.

Originality

4 of 5

This is certainly an original show, since both of the main characters lead relatively unsuccessful lives. This is unique for a Korean Drama, but it may be a sign of the changing times. Many young people will find it much easier to relate to these characters, since many of them are dealing with the same challenges.

Entertainment Value

5 of 5

At its core, this is simply a fun Korean Drama that portrays the lives of two realistic characters. If you find yourself relating to either Im Seung Hee or Kim Jong Dae, you will likely enjoy what you experience through here. It may be enough to keep many fans interested and eager for the next episode in the series to air.

Details

Starring

• Lee Young Ah as Im Seung Hee

• Nam Goong Min as Kim Jong Dae

• Suh Joon Young as Hwang Wan Ha

• Bae Seul Gi as Moon Sun Joo

Other Cast

• Jung Seung Ah (정승아) as Oh Yeon Woo

• Park Woo Chun (박우천) as Park Kwang Pal

• Kim Kang Hyun as Uhm Hyo Sang

• Jun Chang Gul as CEO Kim

• Park Jin Joo as assistant writer

• Jung Jin as PD Lee

• Myung Kye Nam as Geo Boo / Jong Dae’s father

• Kwon Ki Sun as Ja Ok / Jong Dae’s mother

• Ji Sang Min (지상민) as Sun Tae

• Hwang Eun Jung (황은정) as Kyung Hee

• Park Hee Jin as Chang Soo’s mother

Production

• Production Company: CMG Chorokstars

• Director: Choi Do Hoon (최도훈)

• Screenwriter: Lee Soo Ah (이수아)

The post Unemployed Romance 실업급여 로맨스 Sileobgeubyeo Romaenseu appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

Heirs (왕관을 쓰려는자, 그무게를 견뎌라 – 상속자들) is all about star-power. Based on the first episode, the main reasons to dive deep into this drama, are Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Kim Woo-Bin  and Choi Jin-hyuk. Is that enough? Yes, for we fans who adore these stars. Five out of five for main cast, sexiness and performances. Unfortunately, the first episode is hampered by horrendous American actors playing ridiculous American stereotypes—more on this later. (Watch Heirs here on DramaFever>>) Or watch the first episode embedded in this story.

Lee Min-ho at his sexy best in Heirs, a new Korean Drama. Lee Min-ho plays a rich playboy, exiled to America in episode 1

Title: Heirs 왕관을 쓰려는자, 그무게를 견뎌라 – 상속자들 / Wangkwaneul Sseuryeoneunja, Geumoogereul Gyeondyeora – Sangsokjadeul

The first episode has all the elements of a ratings hit. A complex family drama. A Cinderella story featuring gorgeous Park Shin-hye. A proven plot. Most fans of any of these actors will stick with this drama. The performances and production are good. The character set ups are reasonably well crafted. We’re ready for some real drama in episode 2. A recommended watch from F&B for fans of romantic drama, Cinderella stories and Lee Min-ho or Park Shin-hye.
First Episode of “Heirs:

Performances

5 out 5 for main cast

1 out of 5 for American supporting cast

We’ve never previously separated our rating on performances, but it seemed unfair to bring down stellar star performances with dopey, wooden supporting cast performances. It is probable the American casting was rushed or handled by a separate location producer. Whatever, the reason, the entire ensemble of American characters is high school performance level at best.

Park Shin-hye plays the Cinderella role with appealing charm and intensity.

The stars—well, we expect no less than sizzling from Lee Min-ho. He delivers. We expect a strong and endearing performance from always adorable Park Shin-hye. Check. Kim Woo-Bin is nasty as can be as a character (so far) and he’s perfect.Choi Jin-hyuk is in true form as Lee Min-ho’s conniving brother. No one can argue with the star power of supporting Korean cast, including Jeong Dong-hwan, Choi Won-young, Park Jun-keum, and my favorite Kim Mi-kyung.

Choi Jin-hyuk is excellent as the scheming brother of Lee Min-ho’s character, here in a flashback scene where he sends his brother overseas.

The characters they play are a perfect set up—for the most part—for an intense family “heirs” drama. Lee Min-ho is the brother shipped off to America to get him out of the way of his scheming brother Kim Won (played by another of my favourites Choi Jin-hyuk). Other rich heirs are set up as well. Kim Woo-bin is particularly slick as the nasty Choi Young-do, who comes from a totally dysfunctional family (including new step mom and step sis). Most of the first episode is character set up. Viewers, by this first episode, will have either made a connection with the characters or not. I certainly did, mostly with Park Shin-hye’s character Cha Eun-sang, and with her mute mother played by Kim Mi-kyung.

Lee Min-ho goes without saying. I’d love him in any role, but here he convincingly plays the footloose Americanized playboy. Even his English is adorable, delivered in a lush, exotic accent.

Plot and Story

3.5 out of 5

Episode one is a set up episode, and as is traditional with Korean drama you just have to stick with it. All K-Drama has backstory that needs set up, and Heirs goes beyond the ordinary due to a large cast of characters, all of whom have significant roles. Although Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye are the lead performers, it’s clear all actors will have major plot arcs in the story.

Kim Woo-bin, despite the geeky slickback hair, is cool as Choi Young-do, a nasty character (so far) in episode 1 of Heirs.

Writer Kim Eun-sook sets up what promised to be a major family-conflict drama, for which we would have given it 4 out of 5, but the dreadful stereotypes in the American scenes drag this down to a 3.5. The blond beach boy who steals Cha Eun-sang’s bag of bean powder, and snorts some thinking it’s Cocaine? The nasty, fat cop who confiscates her passport. The blonds on the beach? The thugs who accost Cha Eun-sang just at the right moment to help her decide to get in the car with stranger Lee Min-ho? We expect and hope for better once we leave America behind. The stereotypes drag down the story.

Production

4 out of 5

Production, so far, is good, with strong camera work, nice setups and acceptable lighting. Makeup on the actors is too heavy and obvious in some scenes. American scenes and sets are perfect. Pace is excellent.

Lee Min-ho convincing plays a Korean heir, exiled to America to become a “beach bum” in episode 1.

Entertainment Value

5 out of 5

For fans of the cast—once you get past the stereotype American setups, this is a 5 out of 5 for entertainment—this is a solid 5 out of 5. We have everything we could want here: gorgeous cast (who are killer actors) romance, Cinderella, epic family drama, business soap opera in the background. For non-fans, it would still rate a 4. Recommended to put on your DramaFever watch list.

Details

Cast

Production Credits

The post “Heirs” 왕관을 쓰려는자 Korean Drama 1st Episode Review — Lee Min-ho (First Episode Plays Below) appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.

“A warm hearted family drama about a long-running noodle house” says the synopsis of One Hundred Year’s Legacy (백년의 유산 / Baeknyeoneui), in one of the most misleading descriptions of a drama. Considered a family-romance genre in listings, this massive melodrama contains elements of family and romance, but is overwhelmed by sweeping melodrama. No cliché is untouched: amnesia, brother-sister love, evil mother-in-law (times 2), jealous or hateful best-friend or sister, hospital coma scene.

Devastatingly handsome and rugged Lee Jung Jin was a perfect choice as leading man Se Yoon, romantic interest of almost-too-sweet and innocent Eugene as Chae Won.

So, why is this one of the best an the most popular dramas of 2013 with over 30 in the Nielsen’s? It doesn’t live up to it’s synopsis. It’s so derivative it’s practically a cut and paste from five other dramas. Yet, it blasts through all that to be an irresistible watch that somehow resists the temptation to change the channel or press pause on the remote. You hate it. But you can’t stop watching it.

Part of it’s massive appeal is we love to hate these characters. In the same way we were hooked in the old American greats such as Dallas and Dynasty—where the villains were our favourites—this drama revisits our love affair with evil people. There are plenty of hate-able characters here to draw our gleeful contempt.

Powerhouse cast makes One Hundred Year Inheritance a must-see: From left to right: Choi Won Young, hilariously perfect as winy ex-hubby; Eugene as too-sweet romantic target; hunky and masculine Lee Jung Jin as the sensitive Se Yoong; and evil romantic rival sister-in-law played by Yoon Ah Jung.

Powerhouse Cast Keeps it Alive

The other secret of One Hundred Year’s Legacy‘s success is the cast. From the leading lady Eugene, playing oh-so-innocent Chae Won, to the leading man Lee Jung Jin, perfectly cast as Se Yoon, to the entire cast of mothers-in-laws, jealous lovers, zany ex-husbands, adorable grandmas and grandpas—the casting director of this drama deserves a lot of credit, along with its amazing stars. In some ways, the inlaws and parents are the main drivers of this drama. Eugene deliberately plays an almost too mild-mannered protagonist—many griped about her soft performance on the forums—but a character necessary to contrast the nearly unbelievable, and often hilarious, even in laws.

On forums, people griped about cliches and “too drawn out” but the ratings soared week after week. Why? Because this melodrama made no fuss about being a melodrama of the worst kind. Unabashed, One Hundred Year’s Legacy set out to out-melodrama all the dramas that it built upon, weaving tried-and-true plotlines, overused situations, and boiler plate characters. Yet, the sheer force of its unapologetic soap opera theme made viewers come back each week, bringing with them new victims to be hooked.

Fans are Also Victims

I know, I’m a victim. I threw up my hands, literally, when the main character Chae Won had amnesia. “Oh, come on…” I practically shouted it, making my husband jump. We almost turned it off. But by then the acting and characters somehow had crept into our addiction centers. We were unable to stop, even with over-the-top mother-in-laws and utterly predictable story.

Do I regret my addiction? No, not at all. It’s not quite satire, but pretty close, this massively excessive drama, but it hangs on to it’s audience through deliberately (I hope) theatrics. I can’t believe they took themselves seriously in writing this. I think the writers and producers sat down, smiling at each other, and said something like, “let’s do the mother of all melodramas.” Originality out the window. Fortunately, a wiley casting director steered them to an A-List cast of stars who made early divorce by viewers nearly impossible.

Lee Jung Jin only a few years ago. As a leading man, always sexy and masculine.

Lee Jung Jin in One Hundred Year Inheritance, even more ruggedly handsome as he gets older.

The devastatingly handsome Lee Jung Jin—who, like fine wine only gets handsomer as he ages—has proven himself an A-List leading man. Eugene, better known for her singing, showed she had the acting chops to carry off an intense leading role. Their chemistry was just right. I couldn’t get enough of them.

Perhaps my favorite character, because I literally laughed out loud, whenever he appeared in a scene, was comic relief Choi Won Young, a brilliant performer who lightened up the heaviness of constant tragedy unfolding around him. Even the clothing designers had fun with him, giving him a near clown-like presence, that didn’t go too far, thanks to his great acting skill. Normally, the sheer magnitude of his whining and crying would drive me crazy, but he does it with a twinkle in his eye. Thank goodness for Choi Won Young, who helped viewers understand the writers and directors were not being as serious as the drama synopsis would lead you to believe.

Killer cast of One Hundred Year Inheritance. On the top, all the wonderful mothers-in-laws, fathers, and step-mothers/mothers, a chaotic mix of irresistible personalities.

Over-the-Top Mother-in-Law

Park Won Sook deserves special praise for her over-the-top and laughable mother-in-law, which if played by any other actress probably would have made viewers cringe—but instead gave us someone to genuinely hate (on purpose.) Jung Hye Sun, as always, delivers the solid Grandmotherly performance, with her shouting ways and big smile. Yoon Ah Jung is obnoxious but convincing as the nasty jealous sister-in-law Joo Ri. Jung Bo Suk this time plays the good guy, after a few outings as a nasty, as warm and goofy father of Eugene’s character Chae Won. Jun In Hwa, also takes a break from being the heavy, to being the loving step mom (and mom)—creating the fulcrum from which marital woes can dangle precariously across dozens of episodes.

Over-the-top, laughable, evil, and absolutely addictive is the mother-in-law of protagonist brilliantly played by Park Won Sook. Yes, she went the top, and yes she screamed in nearly every scene at the top of her very capable lungs, but she was just the right dose of nasty.

Recommend? Yes and Yes and Qualified Yes

Do I recommend this bloated drama? Yes, Yes, and a qualified yes. Yes if you love these powerhouse actors and especially if you’re a  fan of Lee Jung Jin and Eugene. Yes, if you love the ultimate in melodrama and all the mood swings it entails. Qualified yes, if you look past the clichés to find the gold which is a near satirical look at the most extreme of melodramas, and qualified yes if you can look past the investment in 50 episodes of your time. Despite the length, once hooked, you’ll find yourself anticipating and dreading (and unable to resist) the next over-the-top episode.

The post 백년의 유산 / Baeknyeoneui Yoosan One Hundred Years’ Legacy Review appeared first on F&B: Films and Books Magazine, Covering the Best of Film and Books Since 2006.