D.P.

 

Image from Soompi

This drama just proved that Jung Hae-in is more effective in action/comedies rather than romcoms. Out of his 3 other romance dramas, I only managed to forcefully finish one. Maybe the nearest thing that I liked was his movie with Kim Go-eun Tune in for Love, but that wasn't even happy-happy. It had a sad vibe to it but it's better than Something in the Rain or One Spring Night. 

However, I loved him in While You Were Sleeping and Prison Playbook. It's probably coincidence or maybe it's fate that in both series, he played a figure in authority--a policeman and soldier respectively. 

D.P. stands for Deserter Pursuit which is a team that chases after military deserters--or soldiers who abandons their military posts without permission. Their military code considers this a major offense and can be punishable by incarceration. 

The drama shows the stories of these soldiers who chose to be deserters and the reasons for their decision. The story is so gripping and gritty and based on what I read, is true-to-life. It pains me to know that these might be the same scenarios that my idols and oppas are going through during their enlistment. Am not saying that they all have the same experience but it can happen--even here in our country. That's why even if it's banned, we would still hear stories of hazing and even death due to this barbarous activity.

Am grateful for Koo Kyo-hwan's character which gave the show a bit of comedy as a respite from all the doom and gloom. 

One of the episodes that I liked was the one which involved a soldier's halmeonni--the reason why he deserted. I found myself shedding tears when he was eventually captured and he requested that he say goodbye to his grandmother who was sick with Alzheimer's. He bowed to her even when she could not recognize him.  

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT

Jung Hae In

He was the main reason why I watched this drama. I was initially enthralled by him at While You Were Sleeping (the abs helped) and then continued on with Prison Playbook. I even went out of my way to see him during his fanmeet here in Manila and even had the opportunity for high-touch. Unfortunately, I had no pictures except for the blurry ones during the actual FM. Unlike the other FM's, I only got balcony tickets for this one much to my chagrin. I wish I splurged for a VIP ticket so I could see him up close. After not liking his previous works, I'm hoping that this would be some sort of redemption and I was proven right. He really excels in action or maybe he has not found the right romcom for him yet. I'm missing his nakakakilig na smiles!

I also read that he and Jun-young trained in boxing before they shot the drama. It certainly helped as their fight scenes were beautiful to watch. Their moves were so graceful--not in a gentle sort of way--but you can see the training.

The Mini-Stories

Each episode has a story of a deserter. I was surprised with some of the cameos (I forgot they were in the cast!) especially that of Go Kyung Pyo and Lee Jun Young. I was taken aback by their characters as they were opposite from their usual portrayals. They're still very much pogi even if they were all beaten up and bruised--especially Jun (I should binge-watch his either dramas. Got interested in him after Imitation). 

The Lessons

One of the lessons learned here is violence breeds violence. Like the story of Cho Suk-bong, he was beaten up because his seniors were beaten up by their seniors. It's a never-ending vicious cycle which can never be stopped.

In the last episode, the recurring theme was, "Why didn't you do anything?" They knew that their comrade was being beaten but whey did they not do anything? The sister of one of the deserters also echoed this--even one of the mothers. It's a rude awakening for all of us. We witness all of these injustices but are we doing anything about it? Why do we turn a blind eye?

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT

The Violence

I know it's part of the story but I still cringed during the beatings. The first few minutes were stressful to watch and I had to close my eyes so many times. The justification for the brutality still escapes me sometimes. They claim that they do this to toughen their men up but it's difficult or me to accept their reality. My heart would break if I knew my own son would go through such hell. 

RATING:

Thank goodness that all 6 episodes were dropped by Netflix all on the same day. That's why I love Netflix produced dramas as I don't have to wait every week for new episodes. Giving this FIVE tissue boxes and highly recommending this!

Watched: August 27-28, 2021

Nevertheless

 

I had a difficult time writing this review. It's a major consensus that a lot of people disliked this drama and so did I. Of course, I had to break down why.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

The story is about a college art student, Nabi, who got involved with a fellow student, Jae-eon, a guy with multiple red flags. And by red flags, we mean a person who based on his behavior, can hurt the other person if they enter into a relationship. We saw this when Na-bi caught Jae-eon flirting and kissing someone else when she was falling for him. Moreover, he would suddenly leave Na-bi so he could see his ex. But she still liked him and hated him and this was basically the theme of most of the drama. 

The reception to this show would depend on how experienced you are in relationships and life. I noticed that those who really disapproved of this drama were those who had experienced the heartache of the lead female character. At Nabi's age, we all lived the YOLO adage and wanted to experience life--including the heartaches fully. We never listened to well-meaning advice and just continued on with what we were doing--with the expected painful results. I guess this drama reminded us how we were stupid once and we all know how uncomfortable it could be. Been there done that. 

On the other hand, there were those who liked it either they are in the same type of relationship and managed to reform the bad boy or they're just probably in love with Song Kang and to hell if he's an asshole in the series. Admittedly, he was the main reason why I watched this show as I fell in love with him (the actor, not his character) in "When the Devil Calls Your Name" and I almost hated him for taking on this role. I mean, coming from Navillera, this is a 180! I accepted that he would get the girl in the end as he's the main lead but from the way his character was written, he did not deserve her at all.

I wanted to nitpick the ending. Nabi just forgave him without letting him explain why he acted that way. And it took only a couple of episodes for him to change when he was basically a jerk in most of the episodes. The abrupt character development gave me a whiplash. I caustically remarked in our Kdrama review thread that he might not have been there for her but must've gotten lost while waiting for his new lover. Yes, that's how much I hated him. He should've had the balls to explain himself and in the end, Nabi just forgave him then and there because he showed up in the exhibit. And it was all too sudden for him to reveal that he fell in love with her even before she met him. It felt too forced.

And don't get me started on Potato Boy. I felt that he was written in the story to make Jae-eon jealous and make him realize how much he loves Nabi (I wanted to hurl after writing that). Like other memorable second leads, this would be the show that marked Chae Jong Hyeop's career. I hope in his next drama, he will get the girl. 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT

The Supporting Characters

Whenever I get pissed with the two leads, I just pay attention to the supporting cast. It was interesting that they have two female characters who got into a relationship. For a conservative country like Korea, I'm glad the PD and writer-nim mustered the courage to show this. Though I was a bit disappointed when they confessed their feelings to each other and instead of a kiss (which usually happens after a confession), they just settled for a hug. Oh well. You'll get there, Korea!

The Lesson

This can be arguable as I can sarcastically say that there's no worthy lesson to be learned here. But if you have kids and want to teach them about red flags, then this could be a show to be used as basis instead of telling them your own embarrassing story.

First Three Episodes

It's the reason why I watched this show. I wasn't able to watch the pilot when it aired. I just heard from friends that it's really good and Song Kang is so swoon-worthy. So I watched and went spastic over SK's hotness and his chemistry with Han So-hee. But it got annoying towards the middle.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT

Do I Need To Say More?

I think I managed to say a lot already in the first part of this review. It's an uncomfortable watch for some especially if you've went through Nabi's experience (taas kamay ang mga marurupok diyan). 

The Slow Story

I'm glad this is only at 10 episodes and better to be binge-watched. It's only 1 episode per week so it took a lot of patience to wait for the next episode. What made the experience worse was each installment left us with more irritating questions rather than resolutions. If ever there were any exciting moments, well, it depends on what kind of excitement you're looking for, but watching the two leads figure out their relationship can be quite frustrating. 

RATING

Three tissue boxes for this one. I wanted to give it a two but Chae Jong Hyeop made me reconsider. 

Watched: June 27-August 22, 2021

The Witch's Diner

 

The first episode immediately hooked me in. Premise of the story is that anyone who eats the food that the witch cooks will get their wish. But each wish comes with a hefty price. 

Jung Jin, played by Nam Ji-Hyun was one of the customers of the witch Hee-ra beautifully played by Song Ji-Hyo. She made a wish which she deeply regretted afterwards. Jin ended up working for the witch and even learned how to cook the dishes herself. The reason therewith was revealed towards the end of the series. 

Of course, Chae Jong-Hyeop's presence made the drama even more appealing. I was growing frustrated with Nevertheless (where he is also part of the cast) so seeing him here was a treat.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT

The quotable quotes and the learnings

There were quite a lot in the series. Here are a couple of my favorites:

In this scene, Jin was expressing her frustration on the wishes being made by their customers and the price that they were paying. Hee-ra mentioned this which really struck me. Sometimes, we are quick to judge people and forcing them to accept our own definition of happiness when only themselves can know what it means to be happy.

This can be difficult especially if the people involved are someone we care for. But as we say in Filipino--Kung saan ka masaya, suportahan kita.

I love this quote as I can simplify it in one word--Believe. It touched a chord in me as this has been my mantra for the past several months as I tackled a huge project at work. Believe is defined to accept something as true. Believe also involves trust and both are difficult to instill especially if you've been burned by failures and disappointments. 

The Guests

Each guest had their own story to tell and why they made such a wish. Love the cameos as they were not forced. Each guest and their story appeared for a couple of episodes. Koo Hyo-shik's (superbly played by Lim Won-Hee) story was so heartbreaking that I cried with him. Happy that his mom got her wish though.  

Chae Jong-hyeop

Need I say more? His smiles have become legendary. 

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT

Too short!

This is only 8 episodes which makes it easy to binge-watch. Maybe that's why I liked this drama. The writer was forced to tell a story that will just run for 8 hours which sort of made everything fast paced. I want to see more though. Probably a season 2 where Hee-ra returns?

Noona Romance

I haven't seen a successful drama with a noona romance. I couldn't feel any chemistry between them. 

RATING:

Giving this four tissue boxes! 

Watched: July 18-August 13, 2021

Since Ji-Hyo is a regular cast of Running Man, the cast appeared in one of the episodes.

Racket Boys

The Korean title of this drama is Racket Sonyeondan and like its sort of namesake, this drama and its young cast built up its own cult following.  

Kim Sang-kyung stars as a badminton coach and Oh Na-ra as his wife who also shares the same profession--albeit with a more successful team. Tang Joon-sang, fresh from his Move to Heaven stint, plays their sports-oriented son who got into baseball and badminton. 

The story is about a group of teenagers who belong to a badminton team in one of the rural towns of Korea. It's a slice of life drama showing how they handle the stress and pressures of competing and at the same time, nurturing their relationships with their peers, family and neighbors.

You learn to love all of the characters and root for them during their competitions and most of all, you cheer them on as they grow to be better versions of themselves. The character developments were spot on and it was heart warming to see them change that would enable them to do great and wonderful things. 

I loved the Coach, the father of one of the protagonists. He started off as an ineffective teacher--somebody who would care first about himself rather than his players. But as he spent more time with his team, he learned to grow and even exceeded expectations--whether as a father, a husband or as a coach. 

He said something which I can relate to, "You guys made an average player and below-average coach like myself feel pretty good about myself." Seeing how much his boys work inspired him to be better at his job and even made some cool calls in one of the games. 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT

Character Development

There were a lot in this story--from the young leads, the coach and even the supporting cast. 

One particular touching moment was when the city folks realized that they have something to live for. They moved to the Haenam as they wanted to literally die. It had to take a bowl of curry to knock them off their misery. If they proceeded with their plans, they wouldn't have been blessed with their bundle of joy which they have been praying and wishing for for so long. 

The Cameos

A good drama usually does not need cameos to rack up ratings but the writer managed to get cameos from some of the actors from Prison Playbook--which he also wrote. Loved the interaction of Lee Kyu-Hyung and Jung Min-Sung (they were cellmates in Prison Playbook).

Young Love, Sweet Love

Even if the leads are young, they still invoked the right amount of "kilig" and how puppy love feels like. I guess I've been used to watching dramas were love is passionate and culminated with a kiss (or for other dramas, a trip down the aisle or a bed). For this one, they just hugged it out. You can't help but say, awwwwwww!

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT 

I really can't think of anything. If ever, this drama was considered underrated. There's no big name in the cast yet, the story managed to carry them through. Oh, and the episode delays too! This ran for almost three months. It was extended because from the two-episode a week, it became one-episode a week and then there was a week when they didn't show an episode because of the Olympics. 

RATING

Giving this five tissue boxes! Such an inspirational slice of life drama.  

 

Watched: June 6 - August 10, 2021

It's Okay To Not Be Okay

 

It has been a marvelous 8 weeks with these trio. How do I move on?

It's Okay to not be Okay is one of the best dramas of 2020. If there's anything redeeming about this crappy year, it's this series (and sige na nga, pati CLOY).

I've seen my share of KDramas that tackle mental illness but this by far, is the one I like the most. With mental illness being more recognized and veering away from being taboo, it gives viewers another picture on the lives of families struggling with these realities.

Some of the scenes are romanticized but the lines are eye opening and perhaps, even heart-wrenching. It was satisfying to see the characters grow into the better versions of themselves. They managed to face all the hurts and pains and learned how to heal. Comparing their characters in the finale vs the pilot, they surely have come such a long way. 

I loved how Sang Tae, the older brother "grew" up and realized that he's the hyung. The waterworks came when Sang Tae told his younger brother that Gang Tae belongs to Gang Tae and that he was not born to be the caregiver of his older brother. 

I liked that each episode revolves around a certain fairy tale. My favorite, by far, is the one from the pilot as it set the tone for the whole drama. It also has one of the most poignant lines, for me:

'Hurtful, painful memories. Memories of deep regrets. Memories of hurting others and being hurt. Memories of being abandoned. Only those with such memories buried in their hearts can become stronger, more passionate, and emotionally flexible. And only those can attain happiness.'

So don't forget any of it. Remember it all and overcome it. If you don't overcome it, you'll always be a kid whose soul never grows."

The pilot episode is whimsical which caught my attention. And the female lead, Seo Ye-Ji was so unlike any other. She carried being a bitch so well and her distinctive voice put her above other Korean actresses.  She has come a long way from the teeny-bopper love interest of GDragon in BigBang’s MV Let’s Not Fall In Love.

I’ve seen Kim Soo Hyun in previous dramas but this is his first post-military stint full length project (not counting his cameos in Hotel del Luna and CLOY). I knew that he’s a brilliant actor but he blew my mind again with his performance here.

Oh Jung Se is a revelation. I first saw him in Touch Your Heart but this one, is his best (next to Camellia where he won best supporting actor in the recent Baeksang awards). He made my heart ache with his thoughtful portrayal of a person with mental disabilities. And when he took time off his busy schedule to meet with a fan who has the same condition as his character, my tears started to flow. And he even came dressed as Sang Tae!

I love the story. I love the acting. I love the cinematography. I love this drama!

And that finale. It certainly wrapped everything up and allowed us to say goodbye to characters that we've invested 24 hours of our lives with. It was fulfilling to see the cameos return and their stories incorporated in KMY'S final book. I'm amazed how the writer managed to bring everything together in the end.

If I’m going to nitpick, I’m not satisfied with the explanation of Ko Moon Young’s mother. After scaring us for so many episodes, that's it? 

Also, though there were some nice songs in the OST, nothing that would stick in my mind.

I've said my share of goodbyes to awesome dramas in the past two years that I've been watching. But this one will stay with me for a long, long time.

Rating: Five Tissue Boxes!

Ps

Remember that sometimes, it really is okay not to be okay.

Watched: June 29 - Aug 9, 2020

Drinking Solo

If Ha Seok Jin was not my number one oppa, I would've dropped this drama halfway. I was so annoyed with his character and it really dragged on. I do understand that he's "high class trash" but it was too much. The plot was also predictable and a bit cliche-ish.

The underlying theme of the drama shows why people drink solo. I like that little introduction at the start of the episode and how they end an episode with more drinking. It made me want to drink as well.

Ha Seok Jin plays Jin Jung-Suk, a first-class instructor at a Civil Service Exam review school and one who likes to drink alcohol by himself and with a ceremony to boot. While Park Ha-Sun plays Park Ha-Na, also another instructor but with less stellar credentials compared to Teacher Jin. The story revolves around their relationship as well as that with the other teachers and students. 

The supporting cast were entertaining to watch. Kim Won-hae as the CEO of the academy was hilarious as usual and my favorite would be Key of Shinee. I have low expectations for idols who transition to drama but his portrayal as one of the friends of Teacher Ha-na's student was just amusing. I won't easily forget his "tiriri" catchphrase. 

The cameos were also something to watch out for. Having Key's Shinee co-member Minho appear as an old classmate was just so funny! I was surprised that it was early on in the series but it was enough for me. There were other guests towards the end like 2AM's Jo Kwon and Ha Seok Jin's BFF, Kim Ji-Suk. 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT

The cameos

Not only actors guested in this drama but some scenes from other dramas as well. There was one professor who spoofed drama/movie characters and used them in his lectures. I laughed when he parodied Park Bo Gum's prince character in Love in the Moonlight even showing a scene on his phone. 

Character Development

Am not sure if there was even one. Let's just say I liked it when Ha Seok Jin's character showed his non-asshole side. I relished seeing him display a different emotion when he and his brother fought outside his house, and of course, when he cried after breaking up with Teacher Ha-na. He's so effective because I cried with him as well.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT

Predictable Plot

I actually was able to predict most of what happened. When Prof. Jun-suk learned that his brother liked Prof. Ha-na, he broke up with her for his brother's happiness. My eyes couldn't stop rolling up to the back of my head. There were several scenes of him afterwards crying and drinking by himself while thinking of the woman he loves. I couldn't stop laughing at that one.  

Ha Seok Jin's Character

I felt that his character was poorly written. He was crass half of the drama and for him to suddenly do a 180 just because he fell in love was a major suspension of disbelief. Also, the reason for his boorish behavior felt rather shallow. It could be possible but I was not satisfied with the explanation.

RATING

Giving this three and a half tissue boxes because of Ha Seok-jin and Key. Also, there's this song that I like. 

Would I recommend? Depends. It's one of the last dramas that I would recommend for Ha Seok-jin fans but seeing Key here would be a treat. 

Asia Song Festival 2018 | Morissette Amon | Resignation

Back in 2018, our very own Morissette Amon represented our country at the Asia Song Festival in Busan. She sang the english translation of a Korean song, Resignation, originally sung by Lee Young Hyun. 

What made her performance remarkable was when she sung the last verse in Hangul. I've watched the reaction videos and people--especially Koreans--were just blown away as according to them, she sounded just like a local. 

I just had to watch this again as the characters in Drinking Solo sung this during their drinking spree. Haha. 

Monthly Magazine Home

I initially chose to watch this because my #1 oppa, Ha Seok Jin, appeared in a cameo. Moreover, the male lead is one of his good friends. I found myself enjoying the drama and even liked the chemistry of the leads.

Jung So-Min plays a "homeless" editor who was hired to write for a magazine that features homes. The paper was bought by a real estate mogul played by Kim Ji-Suk who planned to use it to market his investments. 

Their first meeting was hilarious and KJS managed to come up with catchphrases that really gave his character life. (Stop!) Moreover, even if I've watched JSM in other dramas before, but she became my girl crush in this drama. She's so pretty!

There were so many learnings from this drama especially if you're seriously thinking of buying your own home. Though it may come out as hilarious but the Youtube videos that our male lead churned out were actually very informative. Bottom line is, if you really want a house, you have to save up for it and that would mean sacrifices. 

Make sure you're not in the mood to buy anything when you watch this as you'll end up not buying it instead. :) 

There's a quotable quote at the end of the drama that I liked. 

Before this, Editor Na (JSM's character) narrated what would be considered a a good home. It can be a place that is clean and cozy. It can also be a place where you would want to invite close friends to. But she concluded, that a good home is a place where a good person lives. 

In the end, she was able to find the place where she really felt at home. 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT

The cast

I was on the fence on Kim Ji Suk as the only drama of his that I've watched was When the Camellia Blooms and I wanted to hit him there. I tried Top Star Yoo-Baek but am stuck at Ep 3 though a lot have recommended that to me. He's growing on me now especially knowing that he's the BFF of my number one oppa. 

I also watched Jung So Min in Because This is my First Life but I fell in love with her here. There's a freshness in her that I really liked. Will watch definitely her drama with HSJ and see who she has more chemistry with.  

Loved that Kim Won Hae is here. He's one of my favorite character actors. Funny though that I was watching this together with Drinking Solo where he's also one of the supporting casts. I almost interchanged his characters as he's also animated there.

The houses

I was blown away when they featured the houses and the corresponding prices. I had to google the KRW to PHP exchange rate to understand the cost. Not surprising considering how beautiful and large the houses were. It made me think if I would really want to live in such a luxurious spread even if I could afford it. Again, we all go back to what is considered our own definition of a "home".

WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT IT

The finale

I was really looking forward to the finale as I breezed through the 15 episodes. I wanted to find out what would happen to our leads. The writer had to insert that uncomfortable conflict at the end when there's not much build up to it. It took me by surprise and it did not invoke the right emotion from me. I should've cried but I'm my reaction was a "WTF just happened?" 

 

RATING

Giving this four tissue boxes. Even if I didn't like the finale, I enjoyed the whole drama. 

Watched: July 28 - August 6, 2021

 

OSTs

Currently Listening

An OST can make or break a drama. It provides the appropriate atmosphere especially during a poignant moment. 

These are the OSTs that are currently listening to:

Hospital Playlist Season 2 - Superstar. This is such a catchy tune and the message is so encouraging. Makes you really want to say, "Fighting!"

Imitation - Constellation / Your Sign. I was sobbing so hard at the end of this song. I initially thought I would not like this drama but I was hooked..