Finished One Spring Night

Enjoyed it immensely, and yes more than “Something in the Rain.” I found this couple and their situation much more realistic, especially today with people’s lives not being as “traditional “ as they used to be. These two communicated very well, and her bluntness was somehow softened by his calm cheerfulness. They both accepted their challenges with frankness and commitment even though their insecurities and vulnerabilities came to the forefront. Even so, they were very loving and shared some of the sweetest kisses ever!

I loved the family bond between the sisters and their Mom throughout, and their support for one another was phenomenal! The abuse the eldest sister received at her husband’s hands was disturbing, but she never wavered in her resolve to end the abuse for once and for all. I also think that the writers handled this particular storyline well. It could’ve been so much more draining, taking away the strength that was needed to get through it.

The ex got to be a real PITA (pain in the azz), but I was able to sympathize with him to a point because breakups are not easy, especially when one party is not ready to let go and accept the loss.

Our hero’s son was adorable, and both the ex boyfriend and heroine’s father’s were a TRIP! Definitely worth the watch! Thanks for recommending this one Camelia!

#han-ji-min, #jung-hae-in, #kim-jun-han, #one-spring-night

Finally got to One Spring Night…..

Been wanting to watch this one since Camelia’s review last summer, and I’m glad I am! Complex adult relationship where the main couple so far, only up to ep 4, are really having a difficult time trying to navigate exactly how to move forward with their feelings for one another. Their relationship feels so raw and real, atypical yet not so much in today’s blended society. They’re both so candid, she to the point where you almost think she’s mean and standoffish, and him with heartfelt honesty, and eyes that speak volumes. He told her from the git go that he can’t be “just” friends with her even though she’s practically married to her long time boyfriend, and he has a young son. And frankly, even though her feelings for her current boyfriend aren’t the marrying kind, I think that she would’ve permanently broke it off with him if she wasn’t so torn and conflicted about these new feeling’s she experiencing with our hero. He’s bringing out feelings in her that we’re long dead with her boyfriend, and she’s made him want to love again after heartbreak.

An appropriately murky scene from One Spring Night

Strong sister bonds here, and I like that! Their Dad is an ass so far, but I get the feeling that he’s in for some eye opening moments—— at least I hope so. I like their Mom and our hero’s parents are supportive. I don’t hate the boyfriend yet, but he’s starting to get manipulative and clingy, so if I do end up hating him I won’t be surprised, lol. The Eldest sister’s husband needs a serious beat down, and I’m admiring the way she seems to be getting her life and over all well being back in order. The youngest sister is carefree and moves to the beat of her own drum—- love it!

And YES Camelia, her wardrobe is unflattering, unbecoming and downright UGLY!!! Lol….

#han-ji-min, #jung-hae-in, #kim-jun-han, #one-spring-night

Pi Squared – Something In the Rain

So I finished “Something in the Rain,” and sadly for me, regardless of the size and content of certain dramas, the formula will always equal pi.

Don’t get me wrong, I mostly enjoyed the two leads together, except for a few unnerving, unnecessary moments. They seemed to really enjoy each other as they fell in love, and like couples who can’t enough of each other during the honeymoon stage, their appeal was satisfying on many levels. But the repetition of parental interference, coworker angst, relationships put through needless tests, and that ever present “time apart-separation” thing turns me off to some extent.

I’ve taken breaks many times for that purpose alone, but the formula remains like a ghost with no eternity to escape to. It’s become a bit like telenovelas, only shorter.

#jung-hae-in, #series-review, #something-in-the-rain, #son-ye-jin

Something In The Rain – First Impressions

Not exactly sure what drew me to this drama… I do like Son Ye Jin. I think she’s very pretty and I’ve liked her overall persona in previous dramas that I’ve seen her in. Jung Hae In, her male lead, I’m unfamiliar with, but I like him so far. She’s a supervisor at a coffee company, and he’s the younger brother of her best friend. He’s just returned to Seoul (I guess it’s a Seoul) after being in America for the past 3 yrs perfecting his craft— whatever that is—- haven’t figured it out yet. She just got dumped by her boyfriend of a year, and is pretty bummed of course. The ex is a real jerk who was cheating on her with another “younger” girl. Our heroine is 35 yrs old and the pressure to get married is, of course, at an all time high— especially from her Mother.

It’s clear she and the hero of this story have a good relationship. I’m sure he was like a younger brother of “sorts” to her, because she was very happy to see him upon his return. It’s obvious to me that he’s probably always had a “thing” for her, but would never act on it—- at least before he left.

There’s the typical office stuff going on, jealousy, backstabbing, men who rule the roost simply because they are men. Our heroine currently lets these “freely touchy” guys take liberties and say things that we would’ve punched them in the face for, but I know, I know — the culture and the respect your elder thing is something that they live for in these Kdramas.

I already really like the leads together, so while the other hijinks will definitely make my blood boil to an extent, I’m going to enjoy these two.

#jung-hae-in, #something-in-the-rain, #son-ye-jin

One Spring Night – Series Review

Back on the kdrama bandwagon — I just finished watching One Spring Night, and I must say that I really enjoyed it. I know that it’s compared a lot with Something In the Rain, since it shares the same director and actor, but I actually enjoyed this much more!!

Of course..it was hard for me to accept the gravity of the obstacles that the main couple faced..our hero being a single dad being the most grave of them but it was about so much more. Han Ji Min did a fantastic job of portraying a strong woman who has vulnerabilities but also many strengths and is willing to fight for them..she’s not perfect..she admits it herself..but you would want someone like her in your corner. it’s also heartwarming to see how strong all the women are in this drama..no doormats to speak of..yeah!!! Refreshing and still interesting despite the fact that the traditional overbearing father did still make an appearance and it was fun to hate quite a few characters as well.

I liked the fact that though it was clear that their love was deep..it was also unsettling as a viewer because you weren’t quite sure all the way through if that was enough..it isn’t always in life is it? The supporting cast (actors and characters) was excellent as well..I really enjoyed discovering a new actor (Kim Joon Han) who I hope to see more of in future.

They did deserve an “F” for one thing..I don’t know about librarians in Korea but here they are no longer the stereotypical little old lady with white bun and glasses..lol..but that’s exactly what they were thinking when they made the poor girl up each morning..all she lacked was the white bun..I’ve never ever seen such a horrible wardrobe in my life..shame on them! What were they thinking?????

#han-ji-min, #jung-hae-in, #kim-joon-han, #one-spring-night, #series-review

Finished “While You Were Sleeping”

I give it a thumbs up for super cute and fluffy. And extra points for not leaving any loose ends. Though the plot was pretty shallow, at least it followed its own rules, dotted its own i’s and crossed its own t’s, so I appreciate that.  I laughed, I cried, I cooed and sneered. Checked all the boxes, really. A successful Kdrama! And Lee Jong Suk is freaking ADORABLE! As always! Such a big baby!

Continue reading

#bae-suzy, #jung-hae-in, #ko-sung-hee, #lee-jong-suk, #lee-sang-yeob, #while-you-were-sleeping

Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food: Overall thoughts

Where do I begin??? LOL

Full disclosure, I started watching this one with an automatic predisposition to dislike Jung Hae In, and this of course was totally unfair, I know, but he has such a strong resemblance to Park Shi Hoo that I couldn’t shake the feeling. You know that I was never a fan before but since his scandal even more so. I can’t watch any of his dramas without thinking of his taking advantage of a drunken girl, and I’m surprised that he’s doing so well right now, considering how huge and unpleasant the scandal was but these are different times I guess… Careers have been ruined for less. Anyway, everyone deserves a second chance, but I just can’t make myself give it. I’m terrible I admit! Maybe one day I’ll get over it.

Back to my review. So it is with pleasure that I say that Jung Hae In definitely grew on me and I really enjoyed his performance and I’m happy about that. Having said that, though I think they had good chemistry, I just never saw them as a real couple for some reason. Even when they were frolicking around (and boy does this director enjoy concentrating on that!!) I felt at times that there was too much inequality for them to qualify as such and it impacted on my enjoyment. Was it their supposed age gap? Was it their past relationship? Maybe a bit of both.

It was a drama of highs and lows, and the more it progressed the more it sunk and the ending episodes were a bit of a challenge (ironically they were much longer than the rest!!) For me it ended on a disappointing note and I think the writers definitely dropped the ball on this. This drama presented us with a number of issues and there was scope to address them. Some, like the workplace issues, did reach a realistic resolution but other just as important issues were left unresolved.

There were a few instances where I felt really angry at the heroine’s behaviour too which didn’t help at all, though it made her very human as well so I will give her some credit. I suppose you could say that at least I wasn’t bored, LOL, but I was frustrated and is that any better?

I fell in love with one of the side characters (who played his sister) and thought she was very well written and portrayed and could have taught a thing or two to our girl. Overall I don’t regret watching it because I’m pleased I had a chance to get to appreciate this actor but I just wish he was given a better story!

#jang-so-yun, #jung-hae-in, #pretty-noona-who-buys-me-food, #something-in-the-rain, #son-ye-jin