Not So Good, Not So Bad

I had a love-hate relationship with this show, most of the time I was entertained; but there were moments when I absolutely hated it.

If we consider the casting, the show definitely deserves accolades; the storyline not so much. I was pretty miffed that a major chunk of the storyline focused on the unwarranted romance between Queen Dowager Min Soo Ryun & her lover, Choi Sang Rok. The fact that they were cheating was irredeemable. I understood their predicament, the late Emperor separated the engaged pair and made Min Soo Ryun’s life miserable. And yet, I could not reconcile with their regrettable decisions. Though not blood related, King Hae Jong & Crown Prince Lee Gon respected the Queen Dowager as the Elder of their family. She seems to have played an instrumental role in establishing Hae Jong’s reign; if she wanted to leave and live a quiet, untraceable life with Choi Sang Rok, the royal duo would have helped. The unnecessary scheming and plotting made no sense; but without it, the show wouldn’t exist, so there’s that!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/06/19/missing-crown-prince-series-review/#more-953

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My Favourite Watch in 2024

Adapted from the web novel “Xi Hua Zhi” (惜花芷) by Kong Liu (空留), “Blossoms in Adversity”, this drama isn’t a one man show. No, rather it chronicles the individual journey of each character. It could be the main leads, Hua Zhi or Gu Yanxi, each of whom had their own struggles; or it could be the female residents of the Hua Family whose sudden fall from grace led them to live a life of misfortune, something they could have never imagined before. Even though they had their disagreements, blood is obviously thicker than water. They argued, fought and yet stood together when the times were worst. How far can a bunch of women hold out when the Emperor of the nation is out for their blood? The story line beautifully weaves a redemptive recourse with a somber romance. Neither overpower each other, they exist in perfect harmony, blending through motions. For now, let’s talk about the main characters and their journeys!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/27/blossoms-in-adversity-series-review/

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A Befitting Sequel to 2022's Sleeper Hit

Disney+ is back with the sequel to its 2022 hit “Soundtrack”. Starring Park Hyung Sik and Han So Hee in a “Friends to Lovers” romance, the show was well-received because of its heartfelt story and the natural chemistry between the two stars. “Unrequited Love” seems to be the recurrent theme in this series. Banking on this premise, “Soundtrack #2” stars Geum Sae Rok, Steve Noh and DEMIAN in a surreptitious love triangle that is equal parts exciting and intricate. With Director Kim Hee Won’s return, you can expect great things and honestly, I wasn’t disappointed with the pilot episodes. Despite the short format, the first two episodes weave a somber tale encompassing the main lead’s past affairs and their present trajectory. It is as slow burn as it can be and yet, the characters are so quirky; you can’t help but fall in love instantly.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/12/07/soundtrack-2-first-impressions/

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Not on Par with the Prequel

Keeping up with its popular first edition, “The Uncanny Counter Season 2” truly packs a punch with upgraded versions of both the protagonists and antagonists. With evil spirits pooping right and left, our favorite gang of Counters have been training their psychokinesis skills, under the able leadership of So Moon. The show has been in making for almost three years and is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated releases in 2023. With a casting that is comparatively bigger than the prequel, “The Uncanny Counter Season 2” delivers on its promise of some exciting demon hunting coupled with the effervescent familial love that is so typical of this show. Doing a short rehash of the prequel, The Uncanny Counter (adapted from the webtoon “Amazing Rumor” (경이로운 소문) by Jang Yi (장이) describes the story of evil spirit hunting heroes who are known as Counters. Each of them have different abilities and they are paired with their afterlife counterparts who exist in Yung (the boundary between the afterlife and the world of the living). The first season was well received and as such, the anticipation for the sequel has been building since then.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/08/24/the-uncanny-counter-season-2-counter-punch-first-impressions/

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A Powerful Portrayal of Loss and Redemption

A heartbroken mother who returns home from imprisonment after killing her son’s murderer; only to discover more shocking & disturbing truths!

I had commented on Kim Nam Joo’s acting skills in my “First Impressions” and I had like to take my words back. Daring and inspiring, Eun Soo Hyun might be murderer, but to many; she could be a source of strength. Both Kim Nam Joo & Cha Eun Woo have strong portrayals in this murder mystery that is centered around a forlorn mother who finds it difficult to accept her young son’s death. The first two episodes quickly steamroll through this catastrophe, so the remaining show is focused on Eun Soo Hyun’s journey as she seeks justice. Cha Eun Woo’s Gwon Seonyul is a character shredded in mystery; for the first half he plays an idealistic role and switches to antagonism in the second half. Gwon Seonyul is majorly a misled son who seeks revenge for his parent’s supposedly wrongful death; until he discovers the horrid truth that leads him on the road to redemption. This was one of those shows that leaves you guessing but beneath the veneer, it strongly supports the notion that “Justice might be delayed but it is never denied”.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/04/14/wonderful-world-series-review/#more-734

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A Crime Thriller That Will Peg Your Attention

So, when I googled for the meaning of “Evilive”, I found it literally means “to pay back evil with evil”; which pretty much sums up the gist of this storyline. Starring Shin Ha Kyun, Kim Young Kwang, Shin Jae Ha in pivotal roles, “Evilive” depicts main lead Han Dong Soo’s slow yet steady descend into the evil world of crime. What leads him there and will he survive the ordeal remains to be seen? I just got done with watching “The Worst of Evil” and was unsure about starting another noir action. The only reason to start this drama was Shin Ha Kyun and Shin Jae Ha; both are fabulous actors and this show having a male centric casting drew my attention. It isn’t an easy watch, must add that. Manipulation, lies and deceit seem to be at the centerfold of this thriller, and each twist or turn is profoundly bewildering. You can expect the unexpected with this drama. Set in the 1980s, the cinematography is picturesque and reminiscent of the era where desktop computers were still in use. We are talking about them, because the show majorly focuses on the advent of online gambling. The first fours episodes are evenly paced, the storytelling is intriguing and indulgent. Let’s drive into this world and learn more!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/28/evilive-first-impressions/

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A Captivating Tale Between A King & His Favorite Baduk Player

Dynasty politics isn’t something new when it comes to Korean historicals. We always have a group of power hungry officials, who are either related to the Queen or the Queen Dowager, trying to force their opinions on the King. Corruption becomes the main subplot in these storylines; as such “Captivating the King” was no different. King Lee In/Grand Prince Jin Han ascends the throne when his elder brother (the former King) is poisoned. The only catch, King Lee Sun names his only son as the heir to the throne. Unbeknownst to others, Lee In masks this royal decree and ascends to the throne himself. While his power hungry mother and uncle barter for dominance, Lee In plays mind games with them to protect the young Prince (his nephew). Starring Jo Jung Suk & Shin Sae Kyeong in the lead roles, the show uses the backdrop of the baduk game as an intelligent ploy for the plot and the schemes, that the King devises to fool his corrupt opponents. Both main leads give exceptional performances, heralding the narrative in an intriguing direction. Let’s sit down to talk about their distinct portrayals!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/03/05/captivating-the-king-series-review/

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An Interesting Reverse Harem Romance

Chinese heartthrobs Bai Lu & Zhang Ling He are in the news for all the right reasons. Following the success of her Xianxia romance “Till the End of the Moon” and her current on-air drama “Only for Love”, Bai Lu is obviously a fan favorite. Similarly, Zhang Ling He has been riding high on the heels of his recent IQIYI releases “My Journey to You” & “Tiger and Crane”. Adapted from the web novel “Kun Ning” (坤宁) by Shi Jing (时镜), “Story of Kunning Palace” depicts an arrogant Queen’s journey as she falls from grace, commits suicide and transmigrates to the past to redeem herself. Surprisingly, both Bai Lu and Zhang Ling Zhe are playing roles that are morally grey. Bai Lu’s character in “Story of Kunning Palace” might seem quite similar to her portrayal in “Till the End of the Moon”. But Jiang Xuening is definitely different from any of her previous renditions. Zhang Ling Zhe recently played a grey character in “Tiger & Crane” and his “Xie Wei” has similar dark undertones. It seems both actors wanted to try their hands at playing shady characters and, shockingly, they are good at it. Directed by Chu Yui Bun, the show has a star-studded ensemble and is based on the concept of a reverse harem. Yes, that’s right. Jiang Xuening has quite a few admirers in this storyline and the show majorly focuses on her burgeoning relationship with each of them.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/10/story-of-kunning-palace-first-impressions/

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An Unlikely Romance Between a True God and The Pheonix Queen

Adapted from the novel “Hidden God” (神隐) by Xing Ling (星零), WeTV’s latest adaptation “The Last Immortal” shares a close connection with the popular fantasy romance “Ancient Love Poetry”. Starring Zhao Lusi and Wang Anyu in lead roles, the show recently premiered to high expectations and is making waves throughout. I have been reading a lot of contradictory comments on MDL about this show; some like this drama immensely (like me) whilst others aren’t exactly enamored with Wang Anyu’s acting prowess. I had the same reservations, when I started with the first episode. His expressions seemed to mechanical and paired opposite a phenomenal actress like Zhai Lusi, his act was indeed disappointing. The show takes sometime and effort to get used to; I was mainly focused on the mystique surrounding Zhao Lusi and that was the only reason, why I persisted. But overtime, Wang Anyu’s Gu Jin slowly grows on you. Before going into too many details, let’s reminisce and rejoice!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/12/15/the-last-immortal-first-impressions/

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An Exciting Crime Thriller

How often have we questioned the leniency of the judicial system?

Adapted from the webtoon, “Vigilante” ( 비질란테) written by CRG and starring Nam Joo Hyuk in the lead role, Disney+ latest psychological thriller answers this question and some more. After “The Worst of Evil”, I was expecting another exciting ride and “Vigilante” doesn’t disappoint. It is a rather fast-paced crime thriller that will instantly grab your attention and make you venture a guess about the protagonist’s thoughts. It is indeed a dark sojourn, no prizes for guessing that. Frankly, “Vigilante” represents all those victims who failed to gain justice against their evil perpetrators. It is gusty, violent and likely justified, even though there might be many who can’t accept the brutality extended by the main lead towards various assailants. The main character’s duality and his complex emotions form the gist of this storyline. What I loved about this show is that the script doesn’t shy away from using violence as a viable means to punish outlaws who escape punishments using the loopholes in the judicial system. Nam Joo-hyuk’s uncanny transformation from a romantic hero to an action hero delivering justice is surprising and shocking. The first two episodes project an anti-hero in the making, who hightails as a police academy student on weekdays and as the “Vigilante” on weekends.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/09/vigilante-first-impressions/#more-285

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The Most Amusing & Entertaining Adaptation Ever

Adapted from the webtoon “A Good Day to Be a Dog” (오늘도 사랑스럽개) by Lee Hey (이혜), this is one of those shows that leaves a memorable impression in your minds. MBC’s latest fantasy romcom is a rustic mix of intriguing characters, riveting storyline and a cute dog that you can’t hate. I was actually apprehensive about watching this drama; the only reason to start this show was Cha Eun Woo. Yup, I have been his huge fan since I saw his high school romance, “True Beauty”. “Island Season One & Two” has further cemented my obsession; so here we are. The pilot episodes do a decent job of introducing the characters while neatly weaving the unbelievable yet hilarious fantasy element. Well, you don’t have many dramas where the female protagonist turns into a cutesy dog, do you? Starring alongside Cha Eun Woo is Park Gyu Young; frankly I wasn’t quite enthused about watching her. Her clingy character roles in “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” and “The Devil Judge” were lackluster. So, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch a drama which features her as the main lead. But Park Gyu Young manages to break out of the old mold and turns the tables to play a bubbly character who is equal parts sweet and amusing. The trio is completed by Lee Hyun Woo who recently starred in “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”. Now, fasten your seatbelts as I take you on this joyride!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/13/a-good-day-to-be-a-dog-first-impressions/

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An Entertaining Watch Indeed

An egoist Prince paired against our very own eccentric Cinderella!

If you are wondering whether they will marry or kill each other, I had bet on the second option. Starring Pyo Ye Jin & Lee Jun Young as the main leads, “Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale” is the very opposite of a classic fairytale romance. Our Cinderalla Shim Jae Rim is left alone after her father’s untimely death, with her step family, only her stepmother doesn’t torture her unnecessarily, nor does her stepsisters hate her. So, what turns Shim Jae Rim’s life into a Cinderella story? Her unruly father leaves her a will stating that she shouldn’t worry too much, and instead get married to a wealthy man (yup, the father is as crazy as the daughter). Following his advice Shim Jae Rim decides to try her luck at finding her new husband by getting a job at a well-known social club. The only glitch, the club owner Moon Cha Min (Lee Jun Young) is quite weird and doesn’t trust anyone easily. What happens when a tigress meets a lion? They spar and tear at each other. TVING’s Friday romance is freaking hilarious. Both main characters are abnormal; Shim Jae Rin doesn’t care much about Cha Min’s social status and our Prince is charmed. Thus, begins a romance of epic proportions!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/06/01/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale-first-impressions/

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Quirky Characters With An Intriguing Storyline

I’m not a huge fan of dramas starring pop idols or where the storyline is based on the said idol’s ridiculous antics. I went into this show, expecting absolutely nothing. Surprisingly, despite its weird pacing and underrated performances from the actors, this “Underdog” story does manage to hold your attention. There is something charming about watching a band of misfits as they get together and decide to battle the odds to rewrite history. The show has star studded casting consisting of pop idols Xiumin (EXO), Hyung Won (MONSTA X), Lee Sae On (Produce 101 Season 2) alongside actors Lee Shin Young and Choi Won Myung. The first two episodes do a decent job of setting the premise and introducing the characters. It isn’t rushed, and we are given ample opportunity to explore their personas and current lifestyles.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/20/boss-dol-mart-first-impressions/

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A Revenge Saga With Fantasy Element

Adapted from the webtoon “The Essence of a Perfect Marriage” (완벽한 결혼의 정석) written by Young (영) and Lee Beom Bae (이범배), MBN’s latest makjang on the block is a revenge saga with a fantasy twist. Starring Sung Hoon and Jung Yoo Min in the lead roles alongside an ensemble casting that includes Jin Ji Hee, Kang Shin Hyo, Oh Seung Yun; the show uses the time-tested formula of “Contractual Marriage”. We have a conniving family scheming and plotting against their adopted daughter, a high-handed chaebol heir looking for an escape route from the arranged marriage scenario and a brother-in-law vying for his sister-in-law’s affections; seems like a perfect recipe for disaster, right? What makes this show exciting and spicy is obviously the revenge element; the natural chemistry between Sung Hoon & Jung Yoo Min is so flawless, you can’t help but root for them. Let’s talk about the first two episodes, so you can decide if you want to watch it!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/31/perfect-marriage-revenge-first-impressions/#more-260

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The Best Thriller This Year

Adapted from the novel “Auspicious Pattern Lotus House” (吉祥纹莲花楼) by Teng Ping (藤萍), Mysterious Lotus Casebook was one of the most anticipated releases this year, from the IQIYI flagship. Starring Cheng Yi, Joseph Zeng, Xiao Shun Yao in lead roles, this male centric wuxia drew attention because of its unique storyline and stellar casting. Directed by Guo Hu and Ren Hai Tao, the story focuses on the adventurous life of our main protagonist, Li Xiangyi (Cheng Yi). Once the revered leader of a powerful sect, Xiangyi falls from grace after an eventful battle with his arch nemesis, Di Feisheng (Xiao Shun Yao). Ten years later, he reemerges as a humble physician, Li Lianhua, while cutting all ties with the martial arts world. But as fate wouldn’t have it, his peaceful existence is disturbed when he accidentally gets entangled with Fan Duobing (Joseph Zeng), a rich young master who intends to work as a detective at the Baichuan Court.

Mysterious Lotus Casebook raked in 4 million reservations on the date of its premiere. Audiences were ecstatic with the prominent casting, that includes some big names like Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng. If you are an avid fan of the “Lost Tomb” franchise, then you will probably understand the charm. Both Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng have been a part of this popular franchise; with Cheng Yi playing the lead role Zhang Qi Ling in “The Lost Tomb 2” and Joseph Zeng starred as Wu Xie in “Ultimate Note”. Those who are familiar with this storyline might know that Wu Xie and Zhang Qi Ling are an insanely popular fictional couple (known by their ship name, PingXie). As such, the excitement surrounding this show was high pitched. Cheng Yi was recently in news for his xianxia romance “Immortal Samsara”, while Joseph Zeng was cast in the recent wuxia romance “Heroes”; both being major Youku productions. Joining them on this crusade is Xiao Shun Yao, who is slowly gaining popularity after playing negative roles in “The Blue Whisper” and “Till the End of the Moon”.

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/08/19/mysterious-lotus-casebook-series-review-ep-1-to-40/

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