kdramalahhh

reviews and thoughts

[kdramalahhh]

Pilot Post

Just a simple first post, I’d like to welcome everyone here. I’ll be posting reviews and thoughts I have on the shows I watched, not limited to kdramas but other pieces as well. Feel free to share what you feel about them as well😊

- shaininn⭐

[kdramalahhh]

Review: Yumi's Cells [A Look into a Life of an Ordinary Woman]

No. of Episodes: 28 (14 per season)

Personal Rating: 10/10

Synopsis:

Yu-Mi is an ordinary single working woman. She is not good at expressing her feelings. Through her romantic relationship and work, she grows as a person and finds happiness in her daily life. Yu-Mi has cells in her brain that represent different emotions like love, violence, rationality, good, and bad. These tiny cells in her brain work actively for her. They deal with her emotions and troubles.

From: Asianwiki

Casts: Kim Goeun, Ahn Bohyun, Park Jinyoung (GOT7)

You know when there are certain shows or films you really like and you enjoy every second of it? that you really have nothing to complain about since they are perfectly written and thought out? Yumi's Cells is that show. Its the simplicity but very well-written and plotted that makes the drama so perfect. Its just a simple story of a woman trying to navigate her life, love and passion. But its the emotional depth they put into this show is what making it so different than any other.

Its romantic, funny, sad, relatable, frustrating, sometimes enraging and so much more! Not even a single dull moment in this show. I can pick and choose an episode and enjoy it entirely.

Yumi is such a special character. She's so ordinary. Driven by emotions, love and passion. She is literally each and every one of us.

The experience I had watching this show was spectacular. It was everything. I felt like I was part of Yumi's life. Witnessing every turning point of her life, the decisions she makes and her reasons, her best moments and most vulnerable ones. 2 years spent getting to know Yumi and her circle, relationships, joy and agony. Watching Yumi's cells was an entire experience.

The cells? They're amazing! Watching the cells rooting and supporting Yumi for everything she does made me think one thing. after everything she went through, Yumi only have herself at the end of the day, and that is what kept her going and move on in life.

I cannot stress enough how good the acting was. I think its harder to convey the most ordinary emotions than the extreme ones because they have to be realistic and gosh, the actors definitely slayed.

I have nothing else to say than to really recommend you to watch this show. You might not have 2 entire years waiting and anticipating for each episode to air but I bet the experience will be nothing less than what I had.

Happy binge-watching!

-shaininn⭐

[kdramalahhh]

Justifying Nevertheless, Ending

Nevertheless finally ended last week and the Kdrama stans community has been expressing their frustration with the conclusion as we all expected Nabi not ending up with Jaeon just like the webtoon. Some did feel happy they were the endgame. But a lot were frustrated and said that the ending romanticizes toxic relationship.

First of all, I really didn’t think their relationship was toxic and in fact there wasn’t any relationship at all between Nabi and Jaeon. What they were doing was just flirting and feeling all these emotions being attracted to each other.

We all thought that Jaeon was the jerk when in fact Nabi wasn’t that innocent at all. She knew was she was doing, having this FWB relationship with Jaeon with the full knowledge of how Jaeon is. I'd say she was a hypocrite the whole time acting like she was angry towards Jaeon when in fact, she already accepted Jaeon's nature in the beginning. Then she seek refuge from Dohyeok keeping his hopes high cause it'd be a huge lie if she never thought Dohyeok has any feelings for her before the confession.

The truth is Dohyeok cannot become Nabi's endgame because first, she didn’t deserve his love and sincerity at all and second, he was not someone she needed at the time. I predicted the ending to be either Nabi doesn’t end up with anyone or she'll date Jaeon.

And the whole final episode was about Jaeon realising his true feelings towards Nabi, regretting his decisions messing up and ruining every possibility he could have with her. But when Nabi's artwork was ruined by a ceiling fan, that was the moment he could amend everything. When ep 9 ended I too, hoped that Jaeon would leave Nabi alone cause he was clearly being an asshole.

In ep 10 Jaeon had the chance to redeem himself, and he did. He could've just begged Nabi to stay by his side but he chose what he thought Nabi wanted from him - by leaving her alone. I can't help but feel impacted by the scene where Jaeon said Nabi looks the happiest and most beautiful when she's making art. He almost broke down knowing that that might be the last time he could ever see Nabi.

The chemistry between them was just exploding so much that I don’t think Nabi could resist him. In fact she is in the phase where she wants to explore more in life so even if her relationship with Jaeon doesn't end well, that’s also an experience she could use. But at the moment, Jaeon is exactly who she needs and no one else. I saw someone said why choose an exciting playboy over a steady breadwinner? That sentence already gives out the answer. Because Jaeon made Nabi feel all the feelings - excitement, nervousness, anger, frustration and butterflies which she never felt with Dohyeok. That what makes her relationship with Jaeon more exciting and Dohyeok's rather dull. Because in our 20s, we really could use some adrenaline rush instead of just a boring life.

[kdramalahhh]

Review: At a Distance, Spring is Green [Youth is beautiful from afar, but a tragedy up close]

No. of Episodes: 12

Personal Rating: 9/10

Synopsis:

A story of young university students, including Yeo Jun (Park Jihoon), Kim Sobin (Kang Minah) and Nam Soohyun (Bae Inhyuk).

Yeo Joon is a first year university student. He has a cute appearance and a bright personality. He tries to show people only a good image. He has wealthy parents, but he didn't receive enough affection from his parents.

Kim So-Bin is a 3rd grade university student. She is sincere and honest. After her parents divorced, she has lived with her father.

Nam Soo-Hyun is a smart, perfectionist university student. He has a good looking appearance and receives excellent academic grades. But he is financially in difficult situation. he does do various part time works to support himself and also his family mother and younger sibling. due to his situation, he is cynical to people.

From: Asianwiki

I finished watching this drama in one and a half day. That just illustrates how amazing this show is. Another coming of age, slice of life drama that gives me comfort and this inner peace I've been longing from a tv show. Its been awhile since Korean tv produced a good slice of life as thriller is the trend nowadays.

I am a sucker for a good slice of life and this is everything I need from one. Its empathetic, non-discriminant and realistic. It portrays such a realist point of view how teens or youth never show their true feelings and rather their bright personality to people but deep inside they keep so much pain and damage that they never share. I bet so many people not just the youth can relate to this. The struggles also differ from one another. Jun suffers physical abuse and hatred from his family despite being so wealthy, Soohyun strives to provide for his whole family monetarily and Sobin struggles with a broken family. All of them struggles differently but they can comfort each other without comparing the damage. Why? Because pain is pain. It hurts the same although the injury is different. Every pain is valid.

This drama puts a twist in a cliché bromance trope. I have never seen such an intimate friendship between two male characters in a drama without any bits of romance and this drama executed the plot successfully. Two men who are from contrasting family background with differing pain and fighting their respective discrete battles able to be vulnerable and unguarded exposing their real selves to each other. The conversations and interactions they made are literally the only thing I always look forward to every single episode. In a way, you can say it’s a ship hahaha.

My favourite character in the drama is definitely Nam Soohyun. He reminds me a lot of Lee Jian (IU's character in My Mister). They both struggles monetarily trying to provide for their family, working multiple part time jobs all depressed and lonely. I entirely agree with Mijoo's description of him in the drama. He's like a tree. He's so giving and selfless. He is someone you can lean to, provides shade and comfort, gives you space to take a breath, sacrificing every part of him to make sure the ones he love are safe and secure. However, at the same time, he's in this solitary battle against him self and the path he walks on is so lonely makes him hide his anxious and sorrowful side from others. Nam Soohyun exists inside all of us and we tend to forget about it. I love his character development, when he starts to open up and shows his feelings to others. He finally shares his pain so that he does not have to carry the burden alone. He is now able to be truthful with his emotions and freely express his feelings makes me release a sigh of relief. Because I too, was all tense and frustrated when he keeps things to himself and struggles alone.

Anyway, At a Distance, Spring is Green is a drama that will give you comfort, healing and might be a place you can seek refuge to. Its relatable, close to the hearts of audience especially youth.

"I will carve a cool path, and walk alone.

Alone?

You have to master walking alone in order to walk with anyone."

being able to walk a lonely path is the only way for you to share the walk together with someone else. 

This is definitely a must watch especially you're a slice of life junkie. Happy binge-watching!

-shaininn⭐

[kdramalahhh]

Review: Love Alarm [ A World Where Your Feelings Are Transparent]

No. of Episodes: 8 (Season 1), 6 (Season 2)

Personal Rating: 8.5/10

Synopsis: Cellphone app Joalarm is created. If someone likes you and they are within 10 meters of you, the alarm for the app rings. The app also shows how many people like you, but the app doesn't reveal specific details on who likes you.

Kim Jojo (Kim Sohyun) is a high school student. She is pretty and smart. She seems like cheerful person, but her parents died when she was young. Since the death of her parents, Kim Jojo has lived with aunt's family. Living there is not easy for Kim Jojo. She doesn't download the app Joalarm.

Meanwhile, Hwang Sun Oh (Song Kang) is a popular male student at the same high school where Kim Jojo attends. He is the son of a wealthy family, but he is not loved by his parents. His best friend Lee Hye Young (Jung Garam)also attends the same high school. Hwang Sun Oh notices that his best friend Lee Hye Young likes Kim Jojo. Hwang Sun Oh wants to know if his friend really likes her, so he kisses her.

Source: AsianWiki

Love Alarm recently met its ending with season 2 aired on Netflix. In my opinion, this drama is brilliant. Some people may think this is just a typical school/youth love story in a world where love is expressed through an app. However, in my eyes this drama is so much more. It is deep, emotional and realistic and I think so many people will be able relate to it. 

Kim Jojo was vulnerable and depressed, being trapped in her painful past. She distanced herself from everyone which makes her lonely and only have herself to survive. Her aunt and cousin didn’t help at all and they only made it worse for her. That's why rather than treating her wound she kept on running away, neglecting it by making so many wrong choices which scarred her. She tried to escape from her pain by posting her drawings to express herself only to have people misunderstanding them and take it away from her. I might can't relate exactly since I walk pass by my painful experience easily but I feel her. This drama was dark and deeply emotional, and the production and actors successfully delivered it.

One scene that made me cry my heart out was when Jojo joined the marathon in Jeju. This scene was a symbolism of her facing her past. Jojo always run (literally) whenever things are hard for her. But running in Jeju passing by all the places that cause her pain is something else. During the run you can see Jojo face her past and embrace her, something she could never do before. This scene is one of the best things I've ever watched.

You can also see how all the characters grow. From being childish, as time goes by they act more mature. Accepting the fact that you can move on if you try harder, that living in the past will only results in bad repercussions, that your first love might not be your last no matter how in love you were.

Love Alarm (the app) is a great example of how people depends on other things/people to know how they feel. That was exactly what happened to Jojo and Sun Oh. Hye Yeong was different but even he at the end lost to the alarm ring.  The realistic part of this drama is that confusion CAN happen like how Jojo did. She doubts her own feelings and that not only cause pain to her but Sun Oh and Hye Yeong as well. You can be blinded by your own feelings if you let it happen and you will know how you feel if you stay true to yourself.

All in all Love Alarm is a good coming of age drama that reflects real struggles of young people being confused, naïve and childish and how they grow more mature to be stronger than ever.

"Scars cannot be erased. However, you can make them insignificant"

You can never forget a painful past but you cannot let it be a burden to you. You remember but you don't regret.

[kdramalahhh]

Review: Misty [When A Woman Fights Against The World]

No. of Episodes: 16

Personal Rating: 8.5/10

Synopsis:  Go Hyeran is a popular anchorwoman for a prime time news show. She works hard at her job. One day, Go Hyeran becomes the suspect in a murder case. Her husband is Kang Taewook. He worked as a prosecutor in the past, but he now works as a public defender. Their marriage has also been on the rocks. Kang Taewook decides to defend his wife and they fall in love again.

source: asianwiki

Now this drama broke me to pieces I don’t wanna spoil how but it literally scarred me. Such a well written and plotted drama. There's not so much to the cinematography and OSTs. The plot and storyline are literally the ones that carry the whole drama.

It is mystery, adultery themed with a touch of social issues addressing workplace misogyny and oppression of media also freedom of speech. I thank god for not making me watch the drama ongoing. Cause I would definitely lose my mind every week for cracking my head trying to solve the mystery.  And for just being frustrated due to the cliffhangers at the end of each episode. 

Now let's talk about the female lead. Go Hyeran (Kim Namjoo), flawed but confident woman. She had a bitter past but she knows what she wants to achieve in life. She wants to fly as high as she can.  I love it when someone asks her where is the highest place she can go, she'd say "I don’t know, never been there" like I wish I can be as cool her. My fav line of her would be "In my lifetime, I’ve been in situations like this several times.  Situations where I can’t go any further or back down. In those situations, I have never run or avoided them. I always face them head-on. Either I break or you break. Also, I have never lost, not even once." Right at that moment I fell in love with her character. Go Hyeran was not supposed to be a lovable character. Arrogant, snobbish, does whatever she wants and thinks that she's the only person who's right. But there's no way you can hate her for being confident, fighting against all these men trying to bring her down, standing up for herself and only stating the truth. Go Hyeran is a flawed character and that what makes her flawless. Go Hyeran is the reason why you should watch the drama.

The male lead, Kang Taewook (Ji Jinhee) - Go Hyeran's husband is portrayed to be smart, intelligent, handsome, comes from an amazing family background and a loving husband. At first he was perfect but at the end he was the most flawed. I think that is the charm of Misty. It reminds you that nobody is perfect. Even if the person seems like it.

The other characters add so much flavour to the drama. Kevin Lee (Go Joon), Seo Eunju (Jeon Hyejin), detective Kang Kijoon (Ahn Naesang) is plain annoying but necessary. Han Jiwon's (Jin Kijoo) character development makes me so proud of her. Reporter Kwak (Goo Jasung) is so cute I love him. All these characters help building up the story.

All in all, Misty is an amazing drama and a must watch. If you guys loke Sky Castle and The World of Married, then this should suit your cup of tea. 8.5 for the great storyline and amazing cast line up with impactful acting. I loved it. Lastly, stan Kim Namjoo and Ji Jinhee for good health. Happy binge watching!

- shaininn⭐

[kdramalahhh]

Review: A Piece of Your Mind [A Healing Drama About Moving On]

No. of Episodes: 12

Personal Rating: 9/10

When the drama finally meets its ending and the only thing I can say is Im extremely satisfied with it. I feel like A Piece of Your Mind is totally different and credits to the production for the courage by taking a huge risk to realise the drama. Before I started writing this, I went over a few other reviews even the negative ones so I can make an objective judgement. However I still cant resonate with the negative criticisms this drama received. 

A Piece of Your Mind is so serene and meaningful. It is poetic and healing. With slow pace but exciting storyline, this drama kicked start very differently than I thought it would be. The male lead with the help of the female lead trying to reach out his first love - hooked me instantly. As dramatic as it sounds the drama didn't give off the similar vibe at all. The reposeful setting and idyllic picturesque help the drama to relay this tranquil and calm vibes off it. the cinematography of beautiful nature with bright and warm aesthetics made you feel a certain way. The storyline is very smooth because this drama knows its purpose and the plot only revolves around that purpose. The heart fluttering chemistry between the two lead makes you crave for more. They’re not too cringe - just the adequate amount of romance we all need. And not to forget the soothing OSTs and BGMs set the perfect mood for this drama.

Now let me dig into the storyline and plot of this drama. Like I said this drama definitely has its own message it wants to relay to the viewers. Its about opening up about personal pain from your past by building up positive relationships and meeting new people. After tragic events that happened in the characters' lives they hold onto the pain trying to survive life in their own way. Ha Won (Jung Hae In) had no home to go back to, Seo Woo (Chae Soo Bin) didn't feel belonged anywhere, Soon Ho (Lee Ha Na) lost her trust and In Wook (Kim Sung Kyu) lived with guilt due to regret. However when they found each other, they healed mutually through strong and positive emotional connections. 

All in all, this drama is not toxic at all. I feel like people didn't do justice to this drama. Its so underrated and deserved so much more. That is all for now, happy binge watching!

-shaininn⭐

[kdramalahhh]

5 Son Ye Jin Movies You Must Watch

1. Be With You (with So Jisub) This movie is about a single father who had to raise his son alone after his wife death. In the midst of struggling being a single father, his wife suddenly came back to life when he found her at a railway. However, his wife couldn't recall anything about their marriage and their son. This movie was written so beautifully and has one of the best plot twists ever. Be prepared with your tissues cause you'll cry a river!

2. A Moment To Remember (with Jung Woo Sung) This movie follows a fashion designer who fell in love with a construction worker who is preparing to be an architect. He has a rough image but deep inside he's so romantic. Problems arise after they got married when she suddenly diagnosed with Alzheimer disease and starts to seriously forget things. This movie to me a must watch Korean romance. Definitely legendary!

3. The Truth Beneath (with Kim Joo Hyuk) This time Son Yejin ventured into psychotic thriller genre. Her performance in this movie is just👌. This movie is about a wife of a politician who had a perfect life however, a troublemaker daughter. A few days before the election, her daughter went missing but her husband doesn't seem to care. As she digs deeper to find her daughter she found out truths and secrets that made her went absolutely insane.

4. The Negotiation (with Hyun Bin) Now this is one interesting movie, about a negotiator who has to communicate with criminals in hostage situation. In this movie, the villain is crazy hot cause its Hyun Bin hahah. The motive of the criminal remains unclear until the end of the movie. This movie is so well plotted and the quality is on par with any hollywood movies.

5. The Last Princess (w/ Park Haeil) The Last Princess is based on the true story of Princess Doekhye, the last princess of Joseon Dynasty when she was forced to move to Japan and her attempts to leave the country to go back to home. The story of her life and journey is so heartwarming and impactful. It was written so beautifully. My grandma literally cried watching this. Out of all performances Son Yejin has ever put out, to me this one is the best. This is prolly one of the best Korean that has ever existed.

Happy Binge Watching!

-shaininn⭐

[kdramalahhh]

Review: 18 Again [An unfeigned tale of a selfless father]

No. of episodes: 16

Personal Rating: 9.5/10

I personally had the busiest time of my life trying to juggle law school with other things and when I had a short break last week, I planned to watch a drama. I intentionally waited until 18 Again to be done airing and my decision was absolutely right because if I were to watch the drama on going I’d suffer from just waiting for each episode to be aired and will most probably be more attached to the drama than I do right now. 

Before I lay down my reasons why this drama is so good that i gave it nine and a half point, I want to tell how I feel right now post-18 Again (this is surely a phase). So, I managed to finish watching the drama in 3-4 days and after I closed the window of the last episode, I felt content but empty at the same time. Contented because the ending was so good and satisfying but at the same time the emptiness kicked in when I realised that I can no longer see these beautiful characters anymore. After the last episode, every time I listen to the OSTs, saw any clips especially the heartfelt ones; I’d cry and that’s just how impactful 18 Again was.

Synopsis: 

The drama (based on the movie 17 Again) was basically started Hong Dae Young (Yoon Sang Hyun) and Jung Da Jung (Kim Ha Neul) facing a marriage problem which lead to a decision to get a divorce, at least for Da Jung. They live seperately at the moment, Da Jang with their children and Dae Young with his best friend whom he had known since high school, Go Deok Jin (Kim Gang-Hyun). Despite being high school lovers and were very passionate to achieve their dreams, Da Jung and Dae Young were at the cross roads when Da Jung got pregnant at the age of 18. They then decided do put a halt to their dreams and got married, for their twins, Si Ah ( Roh Jeong Eui ) and Si Woo (Ryeo Un). This might started with a whole decision to be responsible adults but as time goes by they started having regrets given that life has been hitting them so hard. Eventually, after 18 years they come to a decision to get divorce - which Da Jung insists, and could not change her mind when Dae Young had no idea why they were fighting that it became this messy. This made Dae Young so frustrated that his life turned out this way. Then he made his way to his high school gym; which is now attended by his children, to shoot some balls into the basketball ring. Out of habit, he made a wish to be young again and yes, you guessed right. His wish came true! The lights went out and when it turned back on he was in the body of 18 year old Dae Young (Lee Do Hyun).

Okay so now let’s just dive into the 5 reasons why this drama is so worth watching. 

1. The plot growth and character development

I love how the plot was arranged. The writers absolutely know what they want to express in each episode episode. I like how the drama projects certain scenes from one character’s point of view and then reveals another character’s side of the story. The whole drama really wants to say that what you see is not entirely what you know. This results in a story so beautifully written, revealing one by one the things no one knows about a character. Their struggles and pain they hide from people they love just so that they won't be burdened by them, which does not necessarily resulted positively since misunderstandings occur now and then.

The characters’ development is something that should also be noted. In the beginning we see how Dae Young was a father and husband who regrets his decision for having to sacrifice his dream for his family. But, after getting the chance to be young again and to be able to do what he want - that is basketball. He started to realise his mistakes and this has opened his eyes as to what his dream actually is. Being able to only help and care about his family without them knowing who he is, was so painful for him since they really have the idea of not needing him anymore in their life. Same goes for Da Jung, at first she felt like Dae Young was changing, did not love her anymore and was pathetic. However, as time goes by some things came to her knowledge, her perspectives towards Dae Young changed. Other characters have their own story and growth as well but you guys should find them out yourselves. 

2. Lee Do Hyun

When I say Lee Do Hyun carried the whole drama, I’m not even exagerrating. he potrayed his character as a young father who struggles to raise children and provide for his family. I think he touched my heart the most. I saw his behind the scenes and I can totally see his passion and the amount of effort he puts into his acting. The chemistry he has with other actors are exceptional maybe because of his bright personality. I just realised I have watched everything in his discography and I must say his acting has grown so much, he discovers and shows new sides of as well - through this character.

3. Double Second Lead Syndrome

This drama did not only made me choose between the two main male leads for Da Jung but also between the two student who like Si Ah. Ye Ji Hoon ( Wi Ha Joon) was competent, kind, handsome and smart. He’s a famous baseball player, he is everything you want in a guy! but I can’t help myself to get swooned by Dae Young as well. It was hard for me. but, between Goo Ja Sung (Hwang In Yeop) and Seo Ji Ho (Golden Child’s Bo Min), I was team Jiho since day 1 because I just can bring myself to like Jasung. I mean he bullied Si Woo so... although he had his moments, and changed later in the drama. All im saying is its fun to have these 4 male characters who are totally different and I enjoyed rooting for them.

4. The Production

This drama has amazing production quality. I love the transitions between adult and young Dae Young scenes. Also, how they made a lot of swoon worthy scenes so beautiful. The OSTs are amazing as well. I still listen to them. I want to give an appreciation to this drama for letting me discover new talents, the younger casts. They’re so good at potraying their roles. I really enjoyed every scene relatingn to students at Serim High. The fact that they give us extra clip (variety show kinda) after filming and they’re still in their characters was fun to watch as well. This just makes it harder for me to detach from the drama.

5. The Message

The writers for this drama really know what they’re doing. Every story, every role has its purpose. Each episode was totally necessary and I’d say has something to tell. This story is about second chances, sacrifices, passion and love. For me personally, I can no longer watch a drama solely for entertainment. I need something more to enjoy it. 18 Again gave me that. It made me rethink about how I treat my loved ones. Whether I appreciate them enough or if I ever consider their pain and sacrifices because you see, the world really does not revolves only around us. 18 Again also caters social issues like discrimination and sexual harrasment against women at workplace, school bullying, illegal college broker and many more. I also appreciate that they point out how children behaves differently to their parents and friends due to the expectations parents have on them. I think we all can relate to that. 

All in all, 18 Again is a beautiful story about family rather than just about an adult who gets to live his young life again. i think thats all. took me almost a week to write this but yea. Hope you guys enjoy it and happy binge watching! Don’t forget to tell me what you guys think about the drama💞

- shaininn⭐