My Holo Love is a little out of the box compared to the usual dramas in Korea. It actually reminds me a lot of Western TV Shows. The technology, the action and pacing is very much like that of US tv shows such as Person Of Interest. And it blends that style perfectly for typical K-Drama ideas and tropes such as the romance elements of the drama plus the prosopagnosia story - which I've never really seen outside of Korean tv. The 12 episodes makes My Holo Love a very exciting series that doesn't waste time in character development or plot. It's a very easy watch.

Yoo Hyun Min has two roles to play in this series, Nan Do and Holo and he does a really good job at portraying both despite the vast differences in personality and mind-set. He has great chemistry with Go Sung Hee, as So Yeon. The romance between So Yeon and Holo is very sweet but when it comes to the more prickly Nan Do, it's just even better at times. Even outside of the romance, emotionally and action wise, it's on point. The side characters are all good and while the main focus is on the main leads and the plot, they do add some depth with their actions. Chan Sung is torn between his father and his love for Yoo Jin, Nan Do's sister, Detective Nam wants justice regardless of who, even if our leads commit crimes but he is gentle and understanding. Same with his younger partner. Just a strong backcast that supports everything else in a small way.

Very good series. Would watch again.

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An awkwardly put together drama at times but still very endearing and worth watching.

The story was very simple and very surface level. Some of the main characters lack depth, our male lead in particular, Dr Ye Je Wook. It almost feels like he's not a main character, but rather a support character. His past isn't much looked into as far as his past relationship goes and while I appreciate that it doesn't follow the typical story of the Ex trying to break up his relationship with Bo Young, it's basically dropped entirely. Just stuff like this could've been done to boost the whole series. The finish of the series sort of ends on a squib too with a few people saying goodbye and there being no real follow up. They didn't make good use of the pacing either. But don't worry about the criticisms as the characters are all enjoyable inspite of their flaws such as Bo Young being a cry-baby, Shin Min Ho being a child basically, etc as it kinda makes theme more relatable and easier to like in the end. One addition to the drama I like is the side duo in the Radiology department. The comedy between those two is consantly one-point. They are both the opposite people but the same people. The whole hospital cast makes the show and story worthwhile. What is also a highlight is the relationship between Bo Young and Dr Ye. It's very sweet, even before they get together. The triangle wasn't a great part of the drama as Min Ho works much better as the friend throughout the show but I get why it's in there.

The acting is good. It fits the tone of the show and it's plots when convinent. The leads are all strong, even if they aren't the best developed. The chemistry between the cast was nice. Even when they were mean to each other, it was all endearing .

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Perfect American-style influenced comedy show

This is perfectly adapted from the Webtoon, perfectly casted throughout the cast. Lee Kwang Soo was absolutley hilarious in his role. I loved him in Entourage and he is great in Sound Of Your Heart as the goofy and immature Jo Suk. The lovable parent duo was a terrific high point of the series - Kim Byung Ok and Kim Mi Kyung couldn't have been more suited to these roles. Byung Ok in the opening episode was particularly terrifc. Completely oblivious to the terror he was causing around the town. I loved the adventures that Kim Dea Myung's character, Jo Joon, took us on as well. The trip to Shanghai was laugh out loud funny as were the side characters that we met along the way. Jung So Min wasn't in all of the episdoes but her parts provided some great comedy. Her relationship with Jo Suk was the perfect amount of embarrasing and heart-warming. The Airport Scene where Ae-Bong misunderstood Jo Su asking for 3 dollars to pay for the bus as asking her out was gold. The set up in the scene, the hints and her ever-building fustration througjout the episdoe. It was just a wonderfully crafted episode. One of my favourite episodes though was Jo Joon's face call episode. Him fustrating his Mum, having an emotional sing along with his Dad and flashing Jo Suk's students, who had to deal with Jo Suk being unaware that his laptop is connected to the screen - this had my rolling on the floor in laughter - I can't praise it more. Just watch Sound Of Your Heart. 10 Episodes under 30 minutes long each. It's so easy to watch and you'll have a heck of a ride watching it. My cheeks hurt after finishing this show.

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A Good Insight On Mental Health

This is a good story with some great, simple messages regarding mental health. It's okay to admit you need health, there is nothing wrong with having issues, acknowledgement is the first step to recovery. And we learn that thanks to our great leads. Han Woo Joo is our POV of someone with severe mental health problems that need fixing but she is still basically a normal person, just like any other. Lee Shi Joon is our voice on how to recover and overcome these problems. He is an extremely friendly Dr who is a bit eccentric but a genius in terms of medicine. And the hook is that he, too, is suffering from Mental Health problems (PTSD). So we have perfectly normal, well adjusted human beings that aren't exactly well themselves. That's a great message to present. Hell, even our main antagonist is just a normal human being that just needs someone to talk to. The rest of the story is really great with the side characters, cases that Shi Joon has to deal with. The romance between the two leads is less love-lovey and more theraputic and helpful, adding to the story rather than it being more for lip service to the industry tropes. The story touches on some sentivie subjects such as suicide in many different ways, family abandoning each other because of mental health, etc. It's all played out with respect and conluded in interesting ways. Sometimes good, sometimes sad.

The acting was strong, Shin Ha Kyun in particular. There is a bit of an age difference, but similar to the themes of the drama, it's done in a respectful way, showing age is just a number if you're good for each other. Jung So Min was good in her role. Whether it was her relationship with Ha Kyun's character or her friend, she was very relatable in any role that was asked of her. Her "episodes" for a lack of a better word captured the vibe of the series as well as you could. It was upsetting at times, fustrating in others but it was always exactly what was required.

Would watch again.

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Is Drug King a bad movie? Absolutely not. I like it. But there was so much potential with the cast, the backing and the subject matter that's just not fulfilled. It's mostly just a bunch of cliches and messy sub-plots that aren't fully explored. I couldn't help but just see Scarface for the shootout towards the end either. Bae Doo Na working as a more darker, villinanous (although she's not really) character which is unique and something that the movie has going for it. Song Kang Ho is as solid and predicably entertaining as the lead as always. But Jo Jung Suk as the moral character is utterly forgettable. You'd have to read the casting list to remeber that he is in the movie.

The story is entertaining and easy to watch but that's not what you want from a movie of this calibre. Just give us more with the great actors casted.

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Nevertheless, I was enthralled.

This was a story about a toxic relationship. One with both right and dark moments. Our main character, Na-bi, who just came away fro a bad relationship, sees the signs immediately that she shouldn't indulge in this situation, but there was something intoxicating about Jae-eon. There was so much raw sexual energy between them that you can see the pros of pursuing it. The show was immaculate in creating situations where you find yourself cheering for them; the interactions at Na-Bi’s home and at the club were instant YES’s for Jae-eon and Na-Bi. Jae-eon is basically a playboy (a f*ck boi would be appropriate for a mature drama such as this), so he knows exactly what to do and when to do it until he, himself, gets trapped into a situation where he starts to truly like Na-Bi but can't seem to stop his ways (meeting other girls, aggressive flirting). And when Na-Bi starts to drift away from him, his actions turn more vindictive and desperate. Those mesmerising eyes turn into awkward stares of that of a stalker. The scene on the ferris-wheel is when the wheels fall off, ironically. Na-Bi no longer felt comfortable with Jae-eon, preferring the lovely and adorable Do Hyuk. The descent from seductive to obsessive was a slow, thrilling one that had me along for the ride every step of the way. The main story isn't perfect however. We don't really know much about Jae-eon and his history. We only see glimpses of absent parents, odd relationships with ex-girlfriends. All done on purpose, obviously. But as Jae-eon’s character development is the main aspect of the story, we could've done with a fuller picture. The side plots were just as good. The relationship arcs of Bit-Na and Kyu-Hyun was arguably just as engrossing, with Bit-Na being similar to Jae-eon but more willing to change for her love. Likewise for Kyu-Hyun, who was Na-Bi except he was willing to say his thoughts and end the relationship when he felt tired. The LGBT elements with Yoon sol and Ji Wan were done nicely. At times, they can be forced and done to give the characters obstacles (Looking at Record of Youth), but it was done right. The writers did the plot proud.

I think this is a drama that goes against the usual K-Drama roads, so people will tend to criticise Jae-eon getting worse as a character, confusing it for bad storytelling when that's not the case. It's done differently and deliberately. Na-Bi doesn't really change as a character. You could criticise the writers for not making her go on some profound journey, and I guess I won't argue against that. We don't see enough of Yang Do Hyuk. And that's a shame because he was a great character, but I believe that was due to circumstances beyond anyone's control. And the ending. I haven't read the webtoon but apparently it stays true to it, so there is that. Is it the right choice? I don't really like saying yes or no because people feel how they feel. Gun to my head? I'll say that it wasn't. Nevertheless,

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Kim Nam Gil makes his return to the small screen after serving in the army, playing the role of 'Han Yi Soo', a tradgey striken young man who is looking for revenge against the seemingly friendly Chairman Jo (played by Lee Jung Gil), who isn't all who he seems to be. Despite its predictablity and safeness in the general plot, with everything else ranging from serviceable to far-fetched, the strength of Shark is the strong acting of Kim Nam Gil and the story of who Chairman Jo was. And of course, the excellent, but short, appearance of Jung In Ki, who played the father of Yi Soo, who is interlinked in more ways than one. The only real faults that I have with the show was its confusing and needlessly overwrought finale. As well as the complete wasteful presence of Ha Seok Jin, who played the Husband of Jo Hae Woo (Son Ye Jin), Oh Joon Young. Lacking character depth with both the teen and adult versions. And on a lasting note, Son Ye Jin was perfectly fine. However, if you replaced her with excellent Kyung Soo Jin, her youngercounter part, you probably have a better show.

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Innocent Thing is a movie about an obsessed lover who doesn't take rejection well. So we know the ending. However everything else is a somewhat refreshing take on the tragedy. Our main characters are a school PE teacher and a student of his. The third party is Seo-Yun, Jong-Gi’s pregnant wife. Without going too much into spoilers, the film starts off soft and tender, even giving us a touching first meeting between our two main characters. Everything is going sweet with Jong Gi, who is somewhat resistant to the relationship but gives in, and Young-Eun. Young-Eun is a normal child with a crush and she's a bit open about it which starts rumors and the film begins to head in a dark territory. And it's not just Young-Eun who does terrible things, Seo-Yun, desperate to keep her marriage and dignity intact, begins malevolents deeds herself. That's the kicker. Surprisingly we are left with a non-so shocking moment but with an interesting and unusual emotion. The final showdown showed someone who was misguided and in clear need of help rather than someone who's just crazy. You could feel sympathy for Young-Eun despite the crimes she commits before she meets her end. It's an interesting feel that manipulates our emotions well enough. The red herrings are well placed with other characters and shocking reveals that reshape what we previously thought we saw.

Jo Bo Ah as Young-Eun captures what I previously mentioned well. The character goes through many different steps from innocent, vindictive and sympathetic. Jang Hyuk is as solid as always.

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So this was the critically panned Bride Of Habaek. I must say that I didn't see much of the criticism that most people throw at this drama. Perhaps it's the lack of expectations that I had going into this drama but I liked it and thought it was pretty interesting to watch, albeit with flaws. It's not a classic mythical drama like Goblin or any of its contemporaries but I enjoyed myself nonetheless.

The story was barebones and empty. The plot was basically Habaek waiting for a fellow Deity to show up so he could return to the Godly World and claim his birthright as King. That's really it as far as the actual plot is concerned. So it's not faithful to the source material, of which I know nothing of, rather it's a backdrop to Habaek and Yoon So Ah, a servant to the gods via descendent lineage, and their blossoming relationship. Thankfully, I found it compelling to watch and thought they worked off each other well. Habaek is a god but he is without his powers and has to rely on a depressed and cynical Therapist for even the simplest of tasks despite Habaek’s intellect - driving, working part time jobs, cooking, etc. Habaek is arrogant - a main criticism of the character - but he is a God. A King. Of course he is arrogant, and he should be, however he does learn how to be humble towards others. Habaek learns the importance of kinship. That's a good message and a good story arc for such a narcissist. Naturally, the relationship between our two main leads has a bumpy ride to go on thanks to our other three Gods (Or 2 Gods and one Demigod, to be specific), Mu Ra, Bi Ryum and Shin Hoo Ye. Those three were the stronger characters in terms of depth and were worth watching as well. To get on the negatives of the series, I'll talk about the last episode. I simply didn't buy it unfortunately. Quite simple. Yes, this is a world that contains Deities, but it felt a little forced and clichéd, although I do think that was more on the rushed pacing of the final episode rather than the actual conclusion which was sweet.

The acting gets a lot of flack, too. I can see why. Perhaps Shin Se Kyung was a tame and relied on tears a bit too much but I thought she did a fine job at portraying a cynical, materialistic character and made her likeable and relatable. She and Nam Joo Hyuk worked well as our leading couple. Nam Joo Hyuk played his character really well also. He wasn't emotionally sharp but the subtle moments were delivered with conviction. Krystal and Im Joo Hwan were really good throughout the show, in particular. Solid acting from all the important actors, in my opinion.

So yes. This was a fine drama. I said it.

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A quality show with a good backcast, interesting leads and a good journey to be taken on.

I love drama that explores the struggles of being older (38 isn’t even old either) in a “young adult environment”. Twenty Again explores not only the idea of going to College at a later stage of your life, but it also explores the idea of capturing lost time and why making the most of your life is important, at any age. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled. Don’t try and force yourself to change to suit someone else because that’s not healthy and it can lead to long term regret. The story is wonderfully touching and hilarious. Ha No Ra and Cha Hyun Suk are great leads to follow throughout the story. No Ra is a very stubborn person. She has been forced into a certain role by her Husband, Kim Woo Chul, but she has no real desire to leave that life as it's all she knows at first. Her reason to go to college was to become intellectual equals with Woo Chul. It’s petty but understandable. But after being misdiagnosed with Cancer, her outlook begins to change and she starts looking at herself. A releatbale, sympathetic character that has both of her most important figures in her life against her but she powers on through. Hyun-suk, a professor at the University and her childhood friend, helps her on the journey. Although it’s initially under the guise that No Ra is dying and wants to help her fulfill her last wishes, he is still annoyed at her for something that happened years prior and is equally as petty along the way. This leads to great comedic moments that stay throughout the series.

Another aspect of the show that I liked is that the antagonists also go on a journey to find themselves in life. Kim Woo Chul is an arrogant, narcissistic man. While his reasons for wanting a divorce are just, he doesn’t make it easy for anyone. Woo Chul is selfish but he slowly begins to realise what he has in his life, what is truly important and eventually sees the error of his ways. There is a charm to his character. Most of that is thanks to Choi Won Young’s portrayal of the character. He is an entertaining presence in the series. He is hateable in the best way possible because when No Ra exceeds her ambitions, it proves him wrong and he knows it. He isn’t a villain. He’s just a normal guy who is narcissistic.

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Comedic. Heartfelt. Dramatic. Action packed.

One of the more unique stories. One that allows us into a whole new world than the usual one we're used to in K-Drama land. And in most aspects, it's excellent. The comedy is really great and well written. It blends with the more serious tones of the drama really well. It varies as wel from being situational, fish out of water humour, to be jokes told. The two leads and the soliders really made this drama what it was. Outside of the main story, this was the real heart of it all. But the main plots were really exciting and tension filed. The twists and turns allowed the story to play out without any questions in plausibilty. I dug how the story split into two half way through and gave us double to fun. Obviously the Cpt Ri and Se Ri together is wonderful and touching. But the relationship between Dan and Seung Jun is just as warm, albeit sad by the end. One aspect of the story that I didn't like too much was how Se Ri's suicidal attempt weren't really taken with any weight - obviously its sad and not totally blown off but I would've liked something more emotional. It's simply just a means to connect the two leads rather than to convey any message about self-hating.

The acting was really great. The actors really knocked it out of the park, capturing all the themes and story elements needed. Hyun Bin's strong but sweet character was the perfect hero of the story. Hyun Bin's chemistry with Son Ye Jin was off the charts, instantly striking. It's rare that two people are able to play off each other with such great effect. Son Ye Jin was really great in her female role too. Incredibly mart but naive about the smaller things, the lack of luxuries that the North Korean have. It fits into the comedy well though. Seo Ji Hye gave maybe the best performance of the drama though. Her character came off very tough and stubborn but there is a soft side to her character, a hidden sadness and willingess to be loved by someone. It's a very nuanced character and she knocks it out of the park, pardon my cliches.

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These kinds of stories are more my favourites in the K-Drama world. No otherworldly villains or antagonists. Just three couples trying to live their lives - one through convenience, one through unwillingness to take the next step, and one where careers come first. And it’s a thrilling ride, albeit a bit predictable. But that doesn’t take away how enjoyable and easy the drama is to get invested in. The plot points dealt with many everyday occurrences such as the meaning of marriage, dealing with sexual harassment at work - both being the victim and being on on-looker - growing up both professional and personally. Tonally, the plots were usually not too heavy nor is it played for laughs. The serious subjects were treated with respect and the lighter plots have their own weight to them as well.

The cast and acting was excellent as well. Lee Min Ki was pretty much perfect as the prickly, socially awkward Se Hee. His chemistry with Jung So Min was excellent - although there is only so many times I can take their football talk and not roll my eyes at the complete transparency in how little they are into football (in real life I mean) - but also Park Byung Eun’s character Sang Goo, Se Hee’s best friend and Boss. All the leads matched well with their counterparts as well as the supporting roles. Shout out to Bo Mi as a character. Was a good friend to everyone she interacted with, added some good, witty humor to her scenes while having good chemistry with Won Seok (played by Kim Min Seok), to the point where you wouldn’t mind if he took her up on her offer to be together at the end. I can’t praise this enough. The acting and casting from the Families to the main cast was outstanding.

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