Bye-Bye, Gold Digger. Hello, Minseo!

Gi-jo, a middle-class herbal doctor, leases upstairs to Deok-bae’s family. At first, when Deok-bae’s family moves into Gi-jo’s house, they look like an ideal family: warm-hearted father, charming daughter, good-looking son, and attentive mother. But soon it turns out they are all greedy trouble makers. Ji-won, the sassy but spoiled daughter of Deok-bae, regards marrying to a rich man as the ultimate goal of her life. So she approaches Min-seo, a single father and the son of a rich shopping mall CEO Guk-jang, of purpose. Ji-won looks down on Gi-jo’s son Woo-jin from the moment she meets him and the two begin their topsy-turvy relationship. But after she finds out Woo-jin has a doctor’s degree and some wealth, Ji-won tries to lure him as well. Min-seon, Min-seo’s sister and colleague of Woo-jin gradually develops warm feeling toward Woo-jin and decides to win his heart. Meanwhile, Woo-jin’s sister Woo-jeong begins fall for Ji-won’s brother Ji-hoon, who is irresponsible, immature but charismatic.

credit: KBS

The cast consists of Yoon Hee-Suk, Shin Dong-Mi, Kim Bin-Woo, Kim Hyun-Sung, Oh Joo-Eun, and Park Da-An.

Let me tell you…I LOVE THIS DRAMA. It’s a pity that none of the subbers are working on this because I can honestly say this will be my favorite drama of 2008. Why? What about Likeable or Not? Hmm, well….this drama goes for twenty-five minutes and I love every single character in the drama. Yes, even Bae Deokbae [the super annoying and idiotic dad]. But of course, my favorite is Ujin and Minseo! Do you remember Minseo aka Shin Dong-Mi from A Happy Woman? [No, she was not a happy woman!] Well, she was Jiyeong’s loyal and best friend who conclusively hooked up with some jewelery man. That was an ‘okay’ weekend drama, nothing too exciting. It’s a great change to see her in a leading role. As for Ujin, aka Yoon Hee-Suk, he’s the other man in Kim Ha-Neul’s messed up romance in 90 Days to Love. All I can say about him is that he’s super cute as every man in a drama is.

So what’s happened lately in the drama, you ask?

Well, in a fast-forward pace, Ujin and Jiwon meet incidentally while in the midst of some con-work going on. Con-work? Yes, con-work. Jiwon being the stupid gold digger that she is went after a ’supposed’ dentist, Jo Muncheol. But hey we’ve all heard ‘Karma’s a bitch.’ The tables were turned and Jiwon was robbed of her money by her fiance. So Jiwon was distraught over her own foolish mistakes and goes out to bury her sorrows in a drunk-fest where she meets the handsome Minseon. This being his second time seeing her since Jiwon teaches his daughter, Yeji, how to play the piano. He immediately has a liking for her. Well, actually it was when he fed her a donut when she was sleeping but that doesn’t matter.

Jiwon’s family needs a place to live. And coincidently, Ujin’s family is renting out a portion of their house. Can you guess what happens? Yes, the family moves in and begins taking advantage of the humble family. But even after how the family is ill-treated they let it pass. Ujin offers and ultimately helps Jiwon find the man that conned her love and money even if she thought he was a pervert [he saw her undies and felt her up, purely by mistake and due to his flat feet]. Minseo comes in the picture when she is first saved from a passing train by Ujin. They just happened to be both doctors in the same department so this initiates the whole wonderful story of Minseo and Ujin.

Of course, Ujin has no idea she has any feeling towards him even if they did go on a few friendly dates. He’s too preoccupied by Jiwon. But in the end, Ujin, fed up with the behavior of Jiwon’s family, decides to give them two weeks to find a new place to live. OMO. Yes, I know. So as of now, they’re struggling to find new ideas to keep the current living arrangements.

SKIP.SKIP.SKIP. Ultimately, Minseon has a crush on Jiwon even after her bitchy attitude towards him. I don’t know why. He’s being pathetic. Hook up with your bestie! She’s much better. And Jihun begins to lure Ujin’s sister, Ujeong, who simultaneously is enjoying the pleasures [kiss, hug, etc.] of having a relationship to kick-start her writing career. Oh, there’s some cheating go on, as well,but that’s with the oldies so its not of much importance.

As of episode 12, Ujin and Minseo attend a work-related trip and they………..

YAH! I wanna date someone young, too!

no, not really. I’m young as it is. but that could definitely be a possibility in the future.

anyway, to let you know, i’m a true devotee to dramabeans. enough, to start a drama. What’s the new drama, you ask? Well, it’s My Sweet City.

Surprisingly I’m watching this since I sort have a sense of hatred towards Choi Kang-Hee. Maybe it’s the voice? Or her maybe I think she’s trying to hard to be super hippie-ish and a carefree. I’m not too sure. But if I completely ignored her, the drama is down-right awesome. And it’s my kind of drama: a two or three-timer [or not]31 year-old [Choi Kang-Hee] sharing some implied skinship with a man seven years her junior [Ji Hyun-Woo]. Ahh. Doesn’t that sound entertaining?

You should try it. If Dramabeans recommends it, do it. Well, if you want to. There’s some that I prefer not to start because of my prejudgment and superficiality-haha-but hey, you never know what you might have a liking for. And yes, I like to think of myself as an unofficial advocate for Dramabeans.

what drama?

on hiatus-meanwhile which one do you wanna be updated on?

You Are My Destiny? You Stole My Heart? Mom’s Dead Upset? Unstoppable Marriage? 1 Night 2 Days [i know it's not a drama, but i love the variety show]?

you stole my heart, you stole my heart

Seriously, i was a little weary about starting a new drama on KBS but after watching the first episode of the fabulous morning drama, You Stole my Heart, I was in love. I personally think its better than You are my Destiny. You know the daily drama that took over Likeable or Not. The one with Yoona. [I don't know much about her except for the fact that she's in SNSD. ehhh...girl kpop groups. sorry, if this offended you.]

Right now, I’m not looking for a drama with some family value. Oh no. 172 episodes of Likeable or Not did it. for me. I’m in the prime of my teen-hood and unfortunately [and simultaneously] I’m close to it’s end so that concludes to the necessity of something totally romantic and love-duby. So there is was. A few days later at 7:30 in the morning, there is was, You Stole My Heart.

I bet many haven’t heard of it but I’m assuming from what I read, KBS morning dramas are pretty famous for being good. As for what it’s all about, it involves two if not three families and their chase after their loved ones. And of course, each one is being chased in a huge, never-ending cycle. Yeah. Yeah, I know its the same as any other drama but this one is gooood. Believe me. Trust me. And give it a try.

almost to the end of nineteen year-old sister-in-law

exactly the reason why i never want to start a drama. i’m easy pulled in and then its just too goddamn hard to pull myself out. especially right now, since i’m in the prime of my yoon kye-sang obsession, i’m not willing to finish nineteen year-old sister-in-law. dang episode 14. did you really have to be sad? so sacrificial? so beautiful?

definitely more minuses. how do people deal with withdrawal?

stupid min-jae. stupid seung-jae. stupid min-jae’s doctor friend. What? You told Min-jae to follow his heart what about Seung-jae? you selfish twit. At least Min-jae had someone but Seung-Jae never had the chance. Why can’t Seung-jae follow his heart? Hypocrite.

Ahh. He’s probably dying inside.

So saddening. You look great when you cry.

Don’t you think Yoon Kye-Sang’s appearance hasn’t changed over the years? Definitely, the hair style but his face hasn’t aged or anything.

Do you think it’s weird that I take dramas so literal? I’m weird like that. Mienhanmida.

Lovers of 6 Years

Aside from dramas, I dabble [extensive dabbling] in movies.

Two nights ago, I watched Lovers of 6 Years starring Yoon Kye-Sang and Kim Ha-Neul. For the end result, I was a little indifferent towards it. No, not really, actually. I was sort of depressed. Probably because I had high expectations for Yoon Kye-sang and contrastingly, low expectations for Kim Ha-Neul [I shouldn't have watched only 20 minutes of On Air]. It didn’t exactly go my way.

First, you can tell before even watching the movie that it’ll most likely be about the ups and downs of being in a long, committed relationship. There’s no extraneous waiting for the boy and girl to finally kiss and jump and into each other’s arms. This one skipped the formalities and introduced car-sex. Well, it was only an attempt. Thank god. I’m not willing to see Kim Ha-Neul with Yoon Kye-Sang in any corrupting manner. Anyway, to sum it all up, it was about a couple so use to each other that one started feeling like the other was like “family.” The romance wasn’t exactly there so they both ventured out to other relationships. Uh oh. And both found out about the other. And after the painful drift, they realize how they feel about each other. Coincidentally, they meet each other as both were looking for new places to live, and I think [huge emphasis on "think"] they both wanted to be with each other. Not very concrete.

Kim Ha-Neul’s narration at the very end:

What would happen
if we got back together?

They do say that
broken bones bind stronger.

We ‘ll probably lie, fight,
and hurt each other, again.

Then get sick of it
and go our separate ways.

Forgetting how much
we missed each other.

Forgetting how much
we regretted it all.

You might not believe me, but I did love the movie. I may be biased because Yoon Kye-Sang was in it. But regardless of that, it’s a movie you should watch.

Since Likeable or Not is over, am I dying?

Realistically, no. But a part of me did die, as it did for many. The daily drama really was worthy of high ratings. I gonna miss Kim Ji-suk and Han Ji-hye together. I hope things are looking up for KJS, now. This really was the highlight of his career, so far.

So here’s what happened in the finale:

• Baekho is Mansu’s real son. Shocker!
• Baekho is also the planning manager, which use to be Seonjae’s job at Bonjour.
• Sua’s grandmother no londer recognizes the letter as having any validity and rips it up. She and Dongji [Baekho's mother] make up, finally!
• Baekho is left alone with his mother-in-law, Jongsun [Danpung's mother], to share shots of Soju and naturally bond. Again, FINALLY!
• Jaebok [Jiyeong's father] accepts that pestering ajummah and promises he can only be friends but will try to open up to her.
• Okay. This is biggest and best of all news. Not only is Danpung preggers, but so is the super-old Dongji. Thank god, it ended there because I don’t think the baby would have been possible for her.
• Seonjae is out of jail and a grows tomatoes
• Jiyeong is back and pregnant, as well.
• Sua is back from Paris and makes up with Seonjae.

Now, wasn’t that just a supppper great finale? I got what I wanted [Danpung and the baby] and everyone else had a happy ending.

What did you think about it?

why did you have those shorts on, Seung-Jae?

If you have already seen Nineteen Year-Old Sister-In-Law, you possibly witnessed the notorious and criminal act done not only by the beloved Yoon Kye-Sang but also the camera crew.

You ask, what I saw?

Well…I saw the triming of his shorts…IN A SHOWER SCENE.

Now, isn’t that what you call injustice? Millions of koreans and I had hopes of him being ‘cloth-free’ and then you, the camera crew, screwed us over with your mistake. Of course, I didn’t expect anything. Believe me, if there was I would squirmed and cried my eyes out for being victimized by something so…..ewww. [Yes, I'm not excited for married life. Or the inevitable reality I have to face of the human body] But regardless of that, I’m still a hormone-raging teen.

Next time, Yoon Kye-sang, don’t be shy.

Ryo, use your charm to turn her into a bi!

I’m late and I spoiled episode 9 for myself last night. But regardless of that, I was equally shocked when i watched it.

one word. OMO!

you must be kidding me. first its totally absurd that an injured man, Sosuke, could limp down those stairs and Takeru would be still be there waiting for his doom. Seriously, Takeru, I know you’re a pretty boy, but why the hell did you freeze up and become another victim of the DV guy? You’re usually very thoughtful. Ehh. It’s frustrating. I can’t see you be abused, Takeru. I love you too much to witness that. Only if it was Ryo and someone less important. That’d be a amusing sight to see. Seriously, Ryo looked so manly even with a crutch. Haha.

As for the end, it was intense. Boy on girl action. In this case, it was violence. Although, at times I really thought he would stop and kiss her. I could feel the sexual tension, couldn’t you? Did you notice he threw Ruka on the bed? THE BED! Sosuke, if you wanted to hurt her you could always throw her to the floor. Its more painful.

Anyway, I really think he’s gonna rape her. Why would he pull her shirt open? To make sure she’s a woman? Haha, no. To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind a Ruka and Sosuke couple. Equally demented, right? But then again, I want Takeru to be with Ruka. Takeru has to be the first priority!

My proposed solution: Ruka can be sacraficed [by Sosuke] if only she realizes that men are better and Takeru is the “one” for her. Yes, it’s a radical idea, but it could work!

Hmm.

Less than I thought

Episodes left, I mean. In a few minutes I will turn on my DVR and play episode 170. Crazy, huh? Yeah, yeah. I know you’ve probably seen it because you understand korean and shit but HEY…there are a few like me that understand the minimal phrases and clichès. I have only two episodes to go, if I stand correct or at least dramawiki.

Seonjae and Sua are now divorcees. And apparently, it took a divorce for that stupid Seonjae to understand Sua’s love. But they deserve this, since the marriage was done superficially by the both ends. I think they’ll get back together. It won’t be a happy ending if they don’t. And you-Seonjae-you better not go back to Jiyeong. I will fictionally bitch slap you if you ruin her relationship with Ujin.

By the way, did you know Ujin, Lee Sang-Yoon, is a Seoul University graduate? SEOUL UNIVERSITY! this guy must be crazy smart.

Anyway, I teared up as I watched the last episode. Danpung’s mom, Kim Hye-Ok, can act. Although, she goes overboard most of the time, she had me close to being labeled as emotionally distraught. That poor family, way too much is happening to them and all because Seonjae had to take the criminal approach to get the land-use changed. Dang secret funds and briberies.

Another By the way. A very, very long time ago, I saw Ae-in or Lover, which has Jo Dong-hyuk as the main lead. Now I realize how much I want to forget it but I will share it with you as a warning. If you don’t mind seeing Jo Dong-hyuk [Seonjae] forcing himself on women [call rape if you will], then go right on ahead and watch the movie. I didn’t even know who was in it, until I noticed the stiff Seonjae. Ahh, I regret it. And that’s something new from me because I personally–I know I have abnormal tastes– loathe on all things related to affairs [ it's weird, don't judge me] but this wasn’t my cup of tea.

Edit: Okay, I missed the last minute of the episode. IS SEONJAE GONNA TURN HIMSELF IN? Yes! His conscience is winning.