Wednesday, August 27, 2014

King of High School: Review

Alternative Titles: High School King/ 고교처세왕 / Gogyocheosewang/ High School King of Savvy/ High Schooler King of Life


I admit to have been curious of the show due to Seo In Guk. Honestly, Seo In Guk is a celebrity that I didn't really expect to like. When I first dawned upon him in Reply 1997, I was wary that I wouldn't like him as much as other people raved about him. Fast forward to now, he now becomes a core reason as to why I watch shows. I really like him because not only does he look good, he acts well too. I also liked him in Masters Sun so when I found out that he's starring in another drama, I made it a point to watch it too.

I first saw a glimpse of it at the upper right hand corner of the last few episodes of Witch's Romance. When it was nearing the end, I saw this particular show being advertised and I was curious. This led me to search more about the show.

The plot is simple. It's all about a high school boy named Minsuk (Seo In Guk), who leads a double life. He is a student, a high schooler, but because of his older brother, he was asked to pretend to be a director of a big company where he meets the love of his life, Soo Young, a clumsy contractor from the same company.

To be honest, I thought there would be sort of a transformation for Soo Young's character. Soo Young is very passive and has a bad sense of fashion. She also doesn't fix her hair for the life of her. I thought that at some point, she would have a Princess Diaries moment where she would transform into a lovely lady that Lee Hana (the acress) really is. Unfortunately, there wasn't. At first, I was disappointed. But now that I think about it, I prefer that there wasn't anything like that in the show because then it makes things more relatable. Because in reality, not every single ugly duckling transforms into a swan. But that also doesn't mean that they don't get to meet their prince charming, right?

Although not as addictive as Emergency Couple, Cunning Single Lady and Witch's Romance, King of High School is still a good show to watch. It is definitely a show that I recommend my friends to try.

Oh, and Lee Tae Hwan (who plays Oh Tae Suk's character) of 5urprise (a group led by Seo Kang Jun whom you might have seen in Cunning Single Lady or Roommate) is also present in this drama as one of Lee Minsuk's friends.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

It's Okay, It's Love: First Impressions

Alternative Titles: It's Okay, That's Love/ 괜찮아, 사랑이야/  Gwaenchanha, Sarangiya

I'm saying this as early as the first paragraph. You should definitely give It's Okay, It's Love a try! After watching the pilot episode, I can say that it's definitely an interesting drama that would easily catch your attention.
 


The introduction was attention grabbing and the flow of the story is done very well. It also has a nice, unique concept. Basically, the story is about a psychiatrist who meets a novel writer through a debate shown in television. It stars Jo In Sung (That Winter, The Wind Blows) and Gong Hyo Jin (Masters Sun). Really now, with lead actors such as them, who wouldn't be tempted to watch the show? As if the lead actors aren't enough to draw me in, EXO's D.O (Kyungsoo), my bias wrecker, is also a part of the show!


Now as much as I would love to expound more on how much love I have for this drama, my mind is going haywire because it wants to watch the next episode ASAP! So instead of writing more, I'm cutting this short to give in to my desires. :p

Oh, and Lee Kwang Soo (Running Man) is also in the show. I know right! Talk about a star studded show! ;)

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

High School Love On (Ongoing): First Impressions

Alternative Titles: Hi! School- Love On/ 하이스쿨: 러브온


Hi guys! I'm back with another Korean drama first impressions post. This drama was recommended to me by a good friend of mine. She used to be my manager in my previous job and now we call each other "chingu" as we both share the same passion for all things Korean.

At first, I was very hesitant to try this drama out. For one, I didn't really find the teasers to be enticing. Two, it stars two Infinite members. Now dear Inspirits, I beg you to hold your horses. I don't have anything against Infinite. I definitely like Infinite, enough for me to actually support them in a concert (which I did in OGS Manila). But the thing is, I have no idea when it comes to their acting skills. This is the main reason why I was so hesitant to try the drama out.

If it was just one Infinite member, I would have immediately tried it out but seeing as two members are in one show made my dark side think that it was some sort of conspiracy between the producers and Woolim to get these good looking Infinite boys into the drama industry. Another point that made me hesitate.

But knowing that Woohyun is starring, I really couldn't help my fangirl self. Woohyun is easily my 3rd most favorite Infinite member, following Sungkyu, who follows L in my list. Sungyeol is also a likeable member so I really couldn't supress the fangirl in me and I gave in to the temptations, which I do not regret.

Granted that I wasn't really impressed with the first 10 minutes of the show, the other half of the first episode was interesting enough to get me hooked. In fact, it got me so hooked that I already finished all the subbed episodes online (4 episodes).

The story is very simple. Seul Bi, an angel or should I say angel of death, suddenly becomes a human being after trying to save Woohyun's life. Not knowing how to reverse the situation, she is forced to live with Woohyun's family as they are the only ones who 'know' of her.

For some reason, this drama reminds me of School 2013 as there are a lot of school related scenes but rest assured, the romance in this drama is definitely in a bigger proportion as compared to School 2013, which had little to no romance at all. After watching 4 episodes, I am confident enough to recommend this drama for those who don't mind waiting for two one episodes every week, as it is still ongoing, and just wants a light romantic, fantasy, comedy story revolving around high school.