Pyeonggang, Cut to the Heart (2021)

Kim So Hyun is the one & only one "Princess Pyeonggang"

Kim So Hyun is the perfect cast for princess pyeonggang. She gave justice to the character. Not too "over acting" or any "awkward acting". She act well as a Princess which you cannot compare it with other role such as "Queen Seondoek or Empress Ki. Cuz her character was a Princess not a ruler. Besides, she also did not depend on the overly make up effect to look fierce as a warrior. Her face expression already showed enough which make me adore her more. Of course her crying scenes were all excellent. However the storyline might have some lacking parts which might be due to rushing and there were so many parts were required to be changed. Overall, thumbs uo to the whole crew especially for our favourite one "Queen Kim So Hyun". I will forever support you till future😘❤️

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A drama so great in every way!

The acting was superb from all cast members. There wasn’t anyone lacking on each of their end, you can totally feel as if they were their real characters, and Bravo for that!

Kim So Hyun outdid herself this time as she portrayed 3 different characters in this drama, further proving her superb acting abilities. She’s a must-watch actress and we better watch out for her.

Na In Woo, although entering production midway, proved himself worthy of the character and trust that the production team gave him. With a fresh interpretation of On Dal (different from that of the first male lead), we see the genuine and real On Dal portrayed in history books and novels, perfectly portraying the passionate and warm love as well as his determination to be with his wife and protect her from all harm (each of which On Dal is known for). One would not even feel that he joined midway, and feel as if he was there the whole time, he owned the character.

Na In Woo and Kim So Hyun’s unexpected pairing is one that brings such energy and keeps everyone on edge as they portray their characters and exude their perfect chemistry. Kim So Hyun was Pyeonggang and Na In Woo was On Dal.

The drama, although faced with controversy, overcame the obstacles and was able to bring us such a extraordinary story of love (both for one’s country and of the love story of Princess Pyeonggang and On Dal). This is a must-watch for all Kdrama viewers, and a great start for all new Kdrama viewers. Bravo to the cast and crew!

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Afantasy drama shown as a historical sh!t

our male lead started as kind hearted man but become a blood thirsty murder
female lead started as assassin but end up becoming a depended idiot parasite for male lead to shine
there was a scene in ep 15 where male lead threated kill second lead just because he has moved and had a girlfriend.
i started watching this drama with hope to have a kind male and cold female but it was just BS
Ji soo was removed from drama because of his scandal and they find most worst actor in Korea to replace him
everyone know acting other then male lead or writer wanted him do be worst human ever
he is angry for no reason he want kill people who are on his side for no reason
he just a blood thirsty Gigolo or male concubine for princess
most amazing part he is immortal he can soul shift just like Alchemy of soul they must have learn those things from this Gigolo

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This drama was almost cancelled, but everyone did a good job!

This drama is romance-main (based on a romance-historical novel), so don't get disappointed when the romance scenes are everywhere.

Pros:
- Kim So Hyun. She's young, but she's actually a veteran actress. Her crying scenes are the best lol.
- The production is insane, the castles, battlefield, properties, everything.
- Even though it's more political than action-spree, the plot is easy to understand.
- Heroic female. (This is a unique plot from SK drama since SK's society is much more patriarchal which prevents women from doing/leading actions)
- Ga Jin's character development is smooth. She doesn't get weaker even after quitting Cheonjubang assassin team.
- Second lead's romance lines are worth watching.
- You might get a little understanding of what is Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje, though the drama is a fictional work and not based on true history.
- Again, the female characters did large contributions to the plot. One of them is Mo Young, love her character so much <3

Cons:
- Even though the female characters are heroic, but the writer still portrays them as emotional beings. It's weird when the top global assassin from Cheonjubang is easy to shed tears emotionally haha.
- Uh, the last episode ruins the ending. I think it's better to watch it not until the very end.
- Ga Jin's story with the assassin team is too short, we need to watch her action as the assassin.

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River Where the Moon Rises Review

Honestly, I couldn't think of a catchy title for my review.

When I started Asian dramas seven years ago, I couldn't handle the historical ones. Being from the west, it felt like the culture was so far removed from what I was accustomed, I couldn't grasp the storyline meaning.

Fast forward to the present and now I'm close to being obsessed with the history of the region, the court machinations, the people, their lives now hold my interest from beginning to end. I love how "River Where the Moon Rises" was based on a mixture of folklore and historical truths and the characters within are riveting; the main players are neither good or bad, display tempers, greed, love, compassion and petulance. That's what makes this drama so watchable (along with the acting) and I enjoyed the unfolding and character intersection to the very end. The two main leads are good, Kang Ha Neul absolutely lights up the screen, but Lee Ji Hoon as Go Geon made me never want to miss a moment with him in it. He loves, loses, mourns and regains through 20 episodes and the actor's portrayal had me living this character's emotions throughout.

I definitely recommend this storyline and controversy aside, it was a good, solid drama.

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I started watching this drama because of the interesting plot of a princess turned warrior and I was very happy to find Kim So Hyun in the lead role. On Dal played a vital role in the story though I think it focused on Pyeonggang/Ga Jin more so I don't really get why they wrote at the beginning of very episode that it's a story based on general On Dal's life lol. :D
The change of the actors didn't really bug me that much and I think Na In Woo did a really amazing job and his chemistry with KSH was so good! They easily become one of my favourite couples with their selfless love for each other.
I was rooting for the secondary couple as well but later I really started to despise Go Geon a lot. Mo Yong truly deserved better and I'm glad that at least she got the ending she had.
But the overall ending! Gosh that's the main reason why I gave the drama a lower rating because at first I was going to give 10/10. But then the last four episodes came out… After the four year jump everything went downhill. The sweet Prince was acting so power hungry out of nowhere and treating his sister awfully without any proper explanation. :/ We never saw some of the secondary characters, who have just disappeared with a trace (the concubine Hyeon Bi, Ga Jin's adoptive father, the little girl Wol from Baekje, the woman who was in love with Chief Sa…). Go Geon got such a long and draggy dying scene ugh. On Dal's own death felt so rushed but the fact that he actually didn't die was even worse. I think that they should have just let him die instead of making such a forced clichéd romance ending tbh.
Overall a great drama with the worst ending possible. :')

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Good Enough

Korean Drama "River where the moon rises" was not a great romance story, but the strong female lead saved the day. Her story, the performance, and her presentation were all not only entertaining but also intriguing. That is not to say that the rest of the actors and actresses of the cast did not do a great job. But the leading lady's performance and dynamic appeal stole the scene every time. Her story was overall interesting, as well, and it was refreshing to have a period drama focusing on a female character. The clothes and settings were a nice touch too, as they were different, detailed and looked real.


However, at least for me, the drama was greatly affected by the switch of the male lead. They did not handle it well, and the character disappeared for a few episodes and had a few chopped scenes edited here and there. So, I do recommend watching it with the second actor right from the start, as it feels a bit awkward with the switch.

As for the romance, it was okay, but not as strong and impactful as it presented it, or hoped for it to be. That is because it was often overshadowed by the politics and, sometimes, the second lead. The ending was a bit off too and too unrealistic.

So, overall, six and a half out of ten.

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Saeguk drama is fresh because the Goguryeo era is rarely carried out

I think why is it still worth watching :
1. Cinematography every good eps is guaranteed to be very indulgent :)
2. the cast selection is very appropriate. Pure actors who are cool..their totality. Even if the rerun does not affect the quality of the cast's acting. There is a new Ondal Nainwoo whose acting skills exceed my expectations. Even Inwoo and Kimsohyun's sudden chemistry made me speechless..it is so good I hope they can work together again in one project:) Plus Kanghaneul's special appearance adds to the epic of this drama:)
3. Can have a lot of value..not for dramas that rely on saeguk as a place / situation setting, but still give viewers historical knowledge. Even if there are a few holes, the drama is still comfortable to watch.
5. In terms of costumes are also interesting and unique (Goguryeo era still has a cultural influence from China)
6. the plot is interesting, it's not complicated, this drama is quite thoughtful, but once you understand and follow the flow, you will definitely be curious about the next one.
7 as a drama that shows the essence of the historical drama of fusion by depicting the interesting story of Goguryeo without distorting anything.
You need to know that..Thee Moon Rising River ”shows the genre area of ​​a colorful historical drama centered on a character named Pyeonggang, where the realities and dreams of today's youth are projected. It depicts aspects of war and political historical drama, reflects the characteristics of the Goguryeo era, and at the same time includes the drama of peace growth and Ondal, as well as the melody of youth. These elements of fun are the reasons why the 'river' has attracted viewers of many generations. Lastly I want to say a big thank you to PDnim Yoon,the writer, all the cast, and the river team. I was really impressed by their struggles from the start I followed the drama to the end. Really amazed..good luck team:)

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Bittersweet

I got left with a bittersweet feeling after watching this. The potential for an amazing drama was there but for various reasons it didn't happen.
The first reason is the obvious, the actors change. I really liked the original one and really disliked In Woo. Nothing personal against him, I know it was hard being thrown straight into action on short notice, but even so, he is not that good, at least in historical movies (his performance in Mr Queen was equally poor). He might be suitable for a cheesy rom-com but not for this.
Second reason for me was the inconsistency in using Korean language. They have used some old pre-Joseon, some Joseon and quite a bit of contemporary vernacular which is very disappointing. All historical drama I've seen use pure Joseon language, nothing modern so for me it was upsetting (I am not Korean but I have studied Korean a lot). Next step would be to use the stupid konglish but I doubt they would do that.
Final reason was the quality of the palace intrigues, a lot of time very superficial and poorly written, felt like filler most of the times.
Now to the good parts. Best part is the cast, great main actors (minus In Woo), some really good supporting actors (minus a couple ajhussis who play in every drama and are quite poor despite the fact, must have good management company). So Hyun is stunning, which I already knew. I've never seen Yoo Hwa before, great job and what a stunning beauty, I was mesmerized .
The costumes are gorgeous, I hope they are accurate as they looked quite different from the Joseon era. Fighting scenes were good too.
The overall story was good, but could have been better, still I liked most of the actors so I have watched it pretty fast, was done in 2 weeks but only because I didn't want to binge-watch.
In conclusion, quite a mixed bag this drama . Still worth a watch.

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HISTORY WORLD OUGHT TO KNOW

Thank You production team.
Thank you for such an honorific tribute to the greatest general of GORYEO

O N D A L

thank you for letting the world, that once upon a time, Korea witnessed a great person named On Dal ever lived, who could go to any extend to protect his woman, his family, his tribe, his friends, his country, in every way a hero can do.

A slow start, but a fantastic climax.
First few episodes were a lazy going show, but then after the real show starts.
Whoa!!! The story, The Action Sequences, The Acting, The Background music are just beyond the sky.

Replace for Ji Soo was a great idea. Ji Soo could have done good in first few episodes, but the strong scenes won't be better than In-Woo. In-Woo is good in bold voice and good physique. Ji Soo 's voice is only a thing that counts, other than i think Ji Soo was no less.

So-Hyun is as always charming. Loved the way she performed. Even she lacks facial expressions but in this drama, she gave her best.

Ji-Hoon did an exceptional job.

Supporting casts and crew members gave no less in bringing out the charm of the drama

A complete package of romance , love between siblings, friends and family, The action sequences . Whoa !!! Amazing

There are times when tears can't be hold.


Recommended !!!!

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Amazing chemistry!

I was really looking forward to this drama when I found out it was Jisoo and So Hyun as the main characters. However, since they changed the main lead to Na In Woo, I wasn't sure how the chemistry between them would be. However, they really exceeded my expectations and the chemistry between the two is great! I personally like these two better than Jisoo. Na In Woo is such an underrated actor but I think this was his breakout role big time. I'm also very impressed how So Hyun took on a different character role than what she usually gets in historical dramas. Taking on a dominant character role was refreshing and impressive to see how much she's grown throughout the years to be able to now take on different types of roles. She pulled it off very well. The storyline was a slow development and a bit of a drag at some points, but it all eventually leads to something.

Anyway, the chemistry between Ga Jin (so hyun) and On Dal (in woo) was spot on. Their love for each other was so pure and would really do anything and risk their lives for each other. They sacrificed a lot for each other. On Dal moved to the palace just to be with her despite not being happy there bc of the guilt of killing many people. He even killed people himself bc he didn't want Ga Jin to get her hands in blood and getting himself "killed" by taking the arrows instead of her. For Ga Jin, she was blinded and focused on her revenge that she didn't really think much of On Dal's feelings which caused a bit of a drift. Leaving the palace was the best thing for On Dal for him, even if it means separating from her. Despite her mission for revenge, she would sacrifice anything just to be with On Dall, even if it means stepping down from the palace or even sacrificing herself for him which she showed.

I felt bad for Geon but at the same time didn't? He was a semi-antagonist but eventually redeemed himself. I sorta wished they dragged out the love triangle longer between ga jin/on dal/geon cause it was getting interesting. Idk after the 4 year time skip if he and mo yong were technically together it was hard to tell seeing how he's focused on other things. Even though he did say he loved Mo Yong, but I think there's still a part of him that is still in love with Ga Jin, which is why Mo Yong questioned his feelings since all he thought about was Ga Jin's safety.

I was a little bit thrown off with the ending because I thought they would actually show the actual war once ON Dal and Ga Jin came back for the war. But it ended pretty quick and no one seemed hurt which is quite odd. But it caught me off guard and I cried when On Dal died right in front of her. I thought it was going to be a good ending -__- Ga Jin decided to leave the palace and go back to the mountain where On Dal stayed. Even though she succeeded in her revenge and was suppose to achieve her goal of becoming king/queen, but she gave that up bc she wasn't happy in the palace anymore without Dal. THENN tables have turned and it turns out he faked his death since he was taught by the monk of a way to feign his death, which resulted in him losing his memory. I was quite shocked and thought I was hallucinating when he appeared again. I loved how they made the ending. I thought they were gonna level it as an open ending where he'll eventually get his memories back overtime after the drama is over. But they showed he regained his memory, they kissed, and lived happily ever after,. I CRIED SO MUCH. I did feel like the ending was quite rushed which was a bit of a con in this drama. But overall, it was a drama I genuinely enjoyed. I would watch it again for the chemistry between the two main leads.

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