Catching Up with Jo Seung-woo

My love for Jo Seung-woo is no secret. So as a fan, I do try to keep up with his works. But it's been frustratingly difficult to do so. Aside from the surprising enter to dramas, he's only done movies and musicals. I can't do anything about musicals, unless someone wants to fly me out to Seoul. But I can do something about movies. Somehow. It takes a while, but it happens.

First Take: Valid Love

A frustrated drama fan might wish for polyandry for their leads when it seems like one is just not enough. Okay, so maybe that's just me. But that wish is coming true, sort of, in the form of tvN's Valid Love. A married woman comes to find herself falling in love with a young construction worker, and her husband makes it his mission to prove to her that her love for this man is invalid. What could have been an excruciating melo may in fact become an exploration of human desire and love.

Welcome back, Yoo Seung-ho!

It's always great to see an actor come back from army duty and the usual comments of "two years has flown by!" will come. And they did. I don't usually talk about the comings and goings of celebrity soldiers, but since I made a post about Yoo Seung-ho leaving for the army two years ago (when he was just barely 20!), I thought it's appropriate to talk about him coming back. So... welcome back Yoo Seung-ho! You have been missed, and we can't wait for you to come back on our screens once again.

The Thing About Oh Jung-se

I recently finished watching the mellow (not melo) tvN drama Plus Nine Boys and while I probably should be making a review for it, I've decided to do something different. A big part of my reviews seem to talk about the actors so for this drama, I want to talk about one actor that is an unconventional lead but is charming nonetheless. He's Oh Jung-se who played forever bachelor uncle Kwang-soo and let's just say I want to see a lot more of him in rom-coms.

Drama Review: Lee Sang the More

When I think of one-off dramas, I usually think of an up-and-coming cast and low budget. But in 2013, MBC decided to try something different. They brought in the big (camera) guns, upped the budget, and invited some of Korea's biggest acting talents. The episode I'll be talking about today stars a name that's quite familiar around this internet neck of the woods: Jo Seung-woo. Here he is playing iconic Korean poet Lee Sang in Lee Sang the More (Korean title: 이상 그 이상/Lee Sang that Lee Sang).

Sunshine Award

Hello everyone. I'm not dead (yet). I feel like this has been my intro a lot more than I'd like, but what can I do. Today's post won't be a drama/movie related post, instead it will be all about blogs and blogging. And I guess K-dramas, but in a different way. Thanks to Vee of dramapenchant for nominating! Let's go.

Drama Review: It's Okay, That's Love

It's official, It's Okay, That's Love is the best Korean drama ever. But now that it's over and as a blogger that I am, what am I supposed to say about the drama that blew my socks off? A ride on the emotional roller coaster might take some time to heal, but it was the best ride in a long time.

Drama Review: Marriage Not Dating

Another drama has ended, and it's now time for me to give my two cents on it. This time, the drama is (yet another) romantic comedy from the romcom expert of tvN in the form of Marriage Not Dating. If you want cute, you might want need to watch this.

First Take: Discovery of Love

Just when you think I'm talking way too much about romcoms, well, think again. Here's another one to shove into your lovely faces: KBS's Discovery of Love. 2014 is the year of love (and scandals) so why not bring in a new one?

Trailer of 'Whistle Blower' + Visual Pretties

This is the trailer of what is to be the first of three 2014 movies for Yoo Yeon-seok. Whistle Blower also stars the always magnetic Park Hae-il and veteran actor Lee Kyeong-young (who stars in 8! movies this year). It's drama in the laboratory like you've never seen before. Except maybe in Dexter's Laboratory but we all know how that ended (or do we?).

Hello Handsome: Lee Je-hoon in High Cut

You'll probably need to get used to these posts because I have a feeling this face is going to be on this blog a lot more often in the upcoming months. You're welcome.

First Look at Lee Je-hoon as Prince Sado, plus Reunited Bromance with Seo Jun-young

Emergency midnight post of Lee Je-hoon's first pics as Prince Sado off the set of Secret Door. Because squealing is always involved when it comes to Lee Je-hoon. I swear I still like other actors too, but... Lee Je-hoon... *sigh*

First Take: It's Okay, That's Love

Following up the endless string of love stories featured in this blog, I'm coming back with yet another in the form of It's Okay, That's Love. While not as bubbly as the previous dramas I've talked about, I think this series can go off as one of the best yet. Hopefully that didn't jinx anything.

Movie Review: Late Blossom (2011)

Romantic movies are a dime in a dozen in the movie world. Romantic movies involving the elderly however is not. Which is why the 2011 romantic movie Late Blossom about two elderly couples is such a breath of fresh air among the saccharine love stories that floats about.

Drama Review: A Witch's Romance

May-November romance seem to be a popular trope in the romantic storytelling world. That of course includes the Korean drama land. While I haven't watch too many of them (come to think of it, I don't I've watched any), A Witch's Romance is filled to the brim with cute which will make you smile like a crazy person at your screen. Guaranteed.

Lee Je-hoon will be discharged tomorrow

Everybody say MANSE*!

Brown Eyed Soul's 'Pass Me By' MV is... Weird

For some reason Brown Eyed Soul's music video 'Pass Me By' went over my radar and here I am talking about it five months later. Better late than never is my motto in life. A single off their (relatively) spanking new album Thank Your Soul (Side A) is a beautiful reminder that love sucks sometimes. As for the music video, well, let me tell you that I was caught off guard to say the least.

First Take: Marriage Not Dating

I knew this drama would be on the pastel spectrum but I didn't know it would be so cute! tvN's Marriage Not Dating just aired their first two episodes and I am pleased so far. Hopefully it will remain that way until the end. Come on, tvN, I know you can pull out a solid rom-com out of you.

Where are all the Korean comedies?

This post is a more of a question from me to you rather than an actual article. I was thinking about themes of movies a little bit this past week. It then dawned on me that a lot of Korean movies as of late are becoming too serious. Maybe it's just me that's not very attentive to the Korean movie releases. So my actual question to you is, what are some of your favorite Korean comedy movies? This is a serious question, and I hope I'll hear your answers soon. Also, no rom-coms please. Just to spice things up a bit.

The Adorable 'Marriage Not Dating'

Ooh, two posts in a day! While Joseon Gunman might be thrilling and action-packed, tvN's Marriage Not Dating looks like it will run away with the cute. I've been into rom-coms lately, and it seems like this one might fit the bill perfectly.

The Amazing 'Joseon Gunman'

There's nothing better than seeing Lee Jun-ki in traditional Korean garb. And happy news for all of us, he will be back as a bad ass gunman in KBS Joseon Gunman. If the drama end up sucking, which I really hope is not the case, at least the promotional photos look absolutely gorgeous.

Album Review: Jang Kiha and The Faces (2011)

It's been a really long while since I've done an album review. Actually, it's been a long time since I've talked about music in general in this ol' blog. Not that I'm good at it anyways. But, I've decided to change things up a bit since I've recently been loving the 2011 self-titled album by Jang Kiha and the Faces this past few weeks and I thought I would share with you my thoughts on this rather "old" album. Here we go.

The Whole Indonesian 'You Who Came From the Stars' Plagiarism Hullabaloo

Apparently this happened. And it made one hell of an embarrassing wave across the international K-drama fandom. Feeling all self-important (duh. No.) I feel like I should say something about it. Also, this is a rant so beware.

Drama Review: Sly and Single Again

There are times when all you want to watch is a good rom-com drama. Not a drama that claims to be rom-com, only to end up leaving you scattered in a puddle of emotions. No, an actual romantic and comedic rom-com. Oddly enough, those true to claim dramas are rather hard to come by, mostly because a vast majority of them turn into a sad ball of sadness towards the second half. The good thing is, they're not extinct. Sly and Single Again (also known as Cunning Single Lady) should be proud they could fit themselves in this true rom-com category.

Hyun Bin Makes His Return as King in 'The Fatal Encounter'

The fantastic Hyun Bin will be making his first return to the acting world after doing his stint in mandatory military by coming back as his royal hotness in the movie The Fatal Encounter.

God's Gift-14 Days Finale Week Thoughts

Today's post is going to be a big fat rambling on why good drama endings are always hard. Mostly because of the God's Gift-14 Days ending and I want to rant about it. Hopefully this will all make sense. But I'm in a puddle of emotions right now. Spoilers galore for obvious reasons. For actual comprehensible writing on K-drama endings, you can read fellow blogger Indigo's writing here which is really funny and totally true.

God's Gift-14 Days, Week 7

In the world of God's Gift-14 Days, it isn't over til it's over. Just when you think you can breathe a sigh of relief, it jerks you back in, unwilling to let go. It's the final week before the finale. All cards are on the table. But the gun is still on someone's head. Let's just hope everyone will come out alive this time.

Potato Star and the Dilemma of Long Dailies

Here's something you may be surprised about. I've been watching Potato Star 2013QR3 for the past few weeks or so. The reason why it may be surprising is because this is a daily drama. With 120 episodes. That's a whole lot of hours I could've used for something somewhat useful. Whatever that is.

God's Gift-14 Days, Week 6

The chase is now officially at full speed. Our main characters are getting closer and closer to the answer of this riddle. But as we're getting closer, the stakes keep getting higher. And with a criminal on the loose willing to kill anyone who's in his path, no one is safe. Will they succeed in changing fate, or are the forces of evil too strong to fight back?

Drama Review: Emergency Couple

Rekindled divorced couple rom-com is a thing, and Emergency Couple is the first of at least two dramas with the theme this year. (The other is Sly and Single Again which I'm also watching.) Set in the emergency room of a hospital, a divorced couple unexpectedly find their way together again as interns. Hilarity and hijinx, and plenty of mama drama, ensues.

God's Gift-14 Days, Week 5

No psycho killers coming out of their caves this week. All eyes back to our main case. But the more we learn, the more mysterious everything becomes. Like an endless pit of doom. More and more of the people we know become more and more suspicious. Or at least suspiciously secretive. And that's never good.

God's Gift-14 Days, Week 4

Hiding, and slowly uncovering, your past is a big theme in this drama. One by one the details get uncovered. But with each revealed mystery comes more unanswered questions. The chase is still on going. But the truth might be worse than what we think.

God's Gift-14 Days, Week 3

We're left off with a cliffhanger which happens every week but last week it was almost literally a cliffhanger. (If you watched last week, you'll know). This week, the drama decides to take us on a tumble and took a billion and one turn like a car rolling down a hill. You just never know what will happen next.

God's Gift-14 Days, Week 2

It's decided. I'm going to do weekly reports on God's Gift. This blog needs a little love, plus someone did ask me to do one so here I am doing it. I did a First Take last week of the first two episodes, which explained a little about the tone of the show. At least so far. For the weekly reports, I won't talk too much about technicalities, that will be saved for an overall review. Instead, I will mostly talk about the plot and the mystery of it all. So these weekly reports will be filled to the brim with spoilers. But this is in no way a recap. I won't speak into detail scene per scene, just things that stand out. Now I'm not the most attentive of people, so I probably will miss out on a few details. So if there are things I missed each week, let me know. I'll probably slap myself on the forehead after.

Drama Review: Flower Boy Next Door

I finally finished Flower Boy Next Door, tvN's third installment of the Flower Boy series and to be brief with my opening words, I want to talk about it now.

First Take: Drama God's Gift-14 Days

Hey guys, long time no see. I know, I missed you too. But don't worry. I think I'll be coming back often. I'll try. Anyways, I want to talk about that drama God's Gift-14 Days that has my fave Jo Seung-woo in it. And oh boy, are you in for a ride. If you decide to watch it of course.

Movie Review: All About My Wife (2012)

When your relationship is in a rut, what would you do? One possibly terrible way to fix it is by shaking things up and driving away your wife by asking the neighborhood womanizer to seduce her away. At least that’s what happens in All About My Wife, directed by Min Kyu-dong. And let’s just say the outcome isn’t what’s expected.

Liebster Award

What I've been watching instead of blogging, because I was a child in the 90s

Apparently I've been living under a rock because there's this thing among bloggers called the Liebster Award. Okay, so I have heard about it, but I thought it was like a Shorty Awards type thing but it's more like a chain mail questionnaire type thing. Am I allowed to say that without being shunned by the blogger community? Anyways, I've been nominated (?) by dewaani to continue on the tradition. So here we go.

Jo Seung-woo Returns to the Small Screen

I've got exciting news (for mostly myself). Jo Seung-woo is coming back. This time, he will be making another round on the small screen, this time I'm pretty excited about.

I Procrastinate, so I Make Lists

Since this is a personal blog sort of I guess, I'm going to talk to you guys about stuff. And by stuff I mean procrastination habits. Believe it or not in 14 hours I'll be doing my thesis defense which is crazy because: 1. it's finally happening, and 2. instead of readying myself I'm here blogging two posts. That's right, super procrastinator right here.

tvN Leaps into the New Year

It's been 2014 for a week now. How have your resolutions been? Okay, I hope? Yours truly have been neck deep in school work so I don't really want to think about anything else. Actually, I'm supposed to not think about anything else but, you know. Anyways, a new year comes new dramas of course. And with tvN leaving a weird aftertaste because of a certain nostalgia-themed drama, I'm ready for a new start. Thankfully, it seems like tvN has a couple of fun dramas that's get you through the new year. With that in mind, here's tvN's new year, new shows campaign.