Korean Dramas: Reel Life and Real Life

E. recommended me to watch "Marriage, without dating" (연애 말고 결혼) when I got bored and recently, I completed another short drama series "Noble My Love" (고결한 그대). Interestingly, I enjoyed both series very much and both have similar plots - basically a marriage contract signed so that the male protagonists, who are from influential families, don't have to go on blind dates and get married at their mother's whims. While "Marriage without dating" is longer (50min for 20 episodes) and more side stories, "Noble my Love" is probably a webcast and solely fixed on the couple (15min for 20 episodes). I believe that many Korean dramas also have this storyline but surprisingly, I don't seem to tire, probably because of the actors ;)

In both dramas, Cha Yoon Seo (Kim Jae Kyung) and Joo Jang Mi (Han Groo) are female heroines - one plays a vet, another plays a salesgirl from less well-to-do families, whose bubbly personalities attracted the rich and successful bachelors who aren't interested in marriage, Lee Kang Hoon (Sung Hoon) who is a CEO and Gong Gi Tae (Yeon Woojin), a plastic surgeon. Also, both ladies actually managed to save the guy in one of the scenes - Yoon Seo stitched Kang Hoon's wound when he was kidnapped and stabbed, while Jang Mi rescued Gi Tae when he was locked in his toilet (a little less glam). Both has the marriage contract in place where the guy later falls in love with the girl and evil mothers objecting to the marriage, although " Marriage" has it worse because the drama is longer. Well, be glad to know that both ended on a happy note :)

I must say that both dramas also have not one, but TWO cute actors fighting over the girl. How lucky is that. "Marriage" has Han Yeo-reum (Jin Woon from 2AM) also chasing Jangmi while "Noble" has Sang Hyun (Park Eun Suk) chasing Yoon Seo. I do prefer Kang Hoon's demeanor (and the formal suits-style) although Gi Tae's antics and colour shirts are kinda cute. Some eye candies here:

Interestingly, these are dramas I enjoy most - happy endings that are really sweet - and I believe, most Koreans do too, given the dramas' popularity and how scriptwriters are re-using such storylines so often. Sociologically speaking, perhaps these are storylines that invoke the imaginary hopes/dreams/fairy tale-like wishes in many people. And it probably does also reflect the beliefs/cultures of the Korean society, that moms want the best for their sons but very often this does backfire. True love also triumphs over all evil moms - more so or less, the guy is still the successful one who calls the shots. Real life probably isn't like that so maybe that's why people are still suckers for fairy tale like endings.

How nice if real life can resemble a Korean drama :)
보고싶어요 :/

Turning into a Lee Seung Gi fan - My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (내 여자친구는 구미호)

After watching the Gu Family Book, I couldn't get enough of Lee Seung Gi, hence I decided to hunt for past dramas of his to watch and chanced upon this 2010 drama - 내 여자친구는 구미호 My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, which is a mirror of his current drama - instead of being a gumiho, Lee Seung Gi plays the role of Cha Dae Woong, a human who encountered a gumiho (nine-tailed fox) played by Shin Min-a.

Lee Seung gi and Shin Min-a

The story is pretty funny yet melodramatic because it started off as Dae Woong trying to shrug Miho away in fear that she would eat/harm him but later fell in love with her deeply that he didn't even mind dying for her. The drama runs for 16 episodes and the storyline is pretty short and simple. Miho wants to be human but she can only do so if she places her fox bead into Dae Woong, because it would suck all his human essence out after 100 days and by getting the human essence into her, she would turn human. The story also has extra characters like No Min Woo who plays Park Dong Ju, who likes Miho because she looked like his ex, many years back, who had the same fate but was betrayed by her human lover, and Park Soo Jin as Eun Hye In, a diva whom Dae Woong initially liked but played hard-to-get, resulting in him losing interest in her.

Basically, the story spans a 100 days and it showed the relationship between Dae Woong and Miho, getting closer through funny things happening that in the end became really meaningful for them. It's hard not to fall in love with Miho, through her child-like innocent character and she is really pretty with hardly any make-up on!

Overall verdict: A good light-hearted drama which ends well and leaves its viewers happy :)

Awww... :"

And so...the end of the Gu Family Book

Rather unexpected ending but it does make the drama a whole lot better! I do really hope that the ending leaves us with a possibility that there might be a part 2. I had watched this drama because of Suzy (from Miss A, also starred as Go Hyemi in Dream High and Jang Mari in BIG) but I was introduced to the rest of the awesome cast like Lee Seung Gi (planning to watch My Girlfriend is a Gumiho soon), Sung Joon (in the drams Lie To Me) and Choi Jin Hyuk (Panda and Hedgehog).

A short takeaway, a quote from the final episode which I'm not sure anyone caught it, but it means a lot to me.

"The first love helps one grow up, and the last love completes a person."
(Cho Ryeon Soo In, Jin Yeon Wan In 초련수인, 진연완인)

At least that's what I think it is written..It was used in the context of Yeo wool as the last love and Chungjo as the first love. Wonder if it does apply across different people.

Panda & Hedgehog ^^ 판다양과 고슴도치

Just completed watching this korean drama, pretty short - 16 episodes only but quite a sweet (and once again childsafe show). I decided to watch this because of Choi Jin Hyuk (plays Gu Wol-ryeong in The Gu Family Book) but I think I fell in love with the bad-boy character, Ko Seungji/Jang Minwoo, played by the famous Super Junior member, Lee Donghae! And yea, he is 26 (old enough to call Oppa) and SUPER CUTE...Ok now, Super Junior just won over one more fan..lols..not as if that matters.

The drama is named after the nicknames of the 2 main characters - Pan Dayang (Panda) & Ko Seungji (Hedgehog) and around the theme of making cakes and pastries - makes me wanna learn to bake nice cakes too!! Anyways they met when Panda desperately wanted to hire a new pastieur to save her debt-ridden cafe and Seungji decided to help her while looking for a job after being in prison. Unknowingly, they fell in love and realised that they had already met 20 years ago, and fate has brought them back together again! So sweet huh? Choi Jinhyuk plays a guy who also likes Panda but loses to Seungji. Turned out they were friends too and so, the story actually ended quite happily; something I like. Only the baddie is caught and everyone lived happily ever after :D

That's why Korean dramas are my favourite. They transport you to a fantasy world that seems so real and takes the worries (like the haze now) away from you. Though it makes me feel envious of the girls, they always have wonderfully eligible and goodlooking and nice guys fighting over them. What about myself? I don't even get the guy I like (although he doesn't seem very eligible, but I'm happy if I do).. Sheeshh..

Moral of this story: Don't bother about a guy's past as long as he's nice and goodlooking. And bad boys are actually always the nicest of all people..Bad on the outside but mostly pretty sweet on the inside.

Lie To Me (내게 거짓말을 해봐) - Postdrama thoughts

In order to curb my impatience for waiting for the Gu Family Book, another Korean drama has occupied 4 days of my time. Lie To Me (내게 거짓말을 해봐) stars Yoon Eun Hye as Gong Ah Jung & Kang Ji Hwan as Hyun Ki Joon who met accidentally in an attempt to cover up Ah Jung's lie to impress her friend Yoo So Ran, who snatched Ah Jung's first love away. Because of that Ah Jung has been trying to get back at So Ran via different means to make herself feel better. She embarrassed herself time and again and also in front of Hyun Ki Joon, getting herself and Ki Joon into trouble. Sang Hee decides to help her since he was also infatuated with Ah Jung and made things worse. There lies the main plot. Ah Jung tries to continue impressing her friends and signed a 'marriage contract' with Ki Joon. Well, things were awkward at first but slowly, Ki Joon realised that he loves Ah Jung and has let go of his old flame,  Oh Yoon Joo (which Sang Hee also fell in love with). Its cute but sad to see the brothers liking the same girl a second time but things changed. Sang Hee decided to let go of both (although I was hoping for a better ending - getting together with Yoon Joo). Many crises also tested Ah Jung & Ki Joon's love but this time, Ki Joon wasn't going to make the same mistake and he did many extreme things to solve their problems. In the process, we see all the characters in the story mature, which was rather heartwarming, letting go of their pasts and starting afresh :D

There are a total of 16 episodes but I feel that a shorter drama is better because at least the story is not too draggy. Personally, I really enjoyed the drama because of its light-heartedness, good storyline, and not forgetting the good-looking casts :) Didn't like Eun Hye and Ji Hwan at first and it was actually Sung Joon (Sang Hee, Ki Joon's younger brother) who caught my eye because he's the good-looking Gon in The Gu Family Book. But this drama is sweet enough for me and it revolves around the theme of honesty, which I only realised towards the end, nevertheless, I think it is a good theme - that honesty is the best policy; and despite the lie that started the relationship, honesty is still most important. A good drama for the younger kids too - totally clean, sweet and pure love; something only korean dramas seem to have. And often, I feel that in today's society, it can be difficult to have clean shows to catch the audience's attention, so, I must commend the producers for this!

While watching this drama, I also came across this article on the difference between boys and men but well, I think I would kind of disagree with this article somewhat. Because I would want a mix of both? A mature man would be good, a reliable wall that can block any wind but I wouldn't like an old fogey who does not treasure life and have fun - that's where a boy-at-heart comes in! :) In this drama, initially we see the charming  'man-side' of Hyun Ki Joon but later on, we see that he does have his boyish charm - miniature toy collection, letting go and having fun at the amusement park, doing stupid things like drinking competitions to impress the dad...etc. That is my ideal guy.

Aigoo..seems like I'm discovering more about myself through these Korean dramas! ;)

Introducing The Gu Family Book

Recently, after my overseas trip, I've taken an interest in a new Korean drama by MBC and it's one of the highest rating shows in Korea currently - The Gu Family Book 구가의 서. It combines legends and history and martial arts together in the Joseon Dynasty, something which I like, a little similar to The Moon that Embraces the Sun but I think this is much better because the plot twists and turns oh-so-well and the magical element of the gumiho (forest spirit) adds excitement to it.
Starring Lee Seung-gi as Choi Kangchi and Suzy (Miss A) as Dam Yeo-Wool, it also has a full cast of good-looking actors like Choi Jin Hyuk as Gu Wol-Ryung and Sung Joon as Gon, Yeo-Wool's bodyguard.

Spanning for 2 generations, the tale speaks of Wol-Ryung falling in love with a human, Seo-hwa, who is sold as a state gisaeng as a punishment for her father's accusation of treason by this baddie Jo Gwan-woong, who is out for fame, wealth and power.They got married but Seo-hwa does not know about Wol-Ryung's real identity, while Wol-Ryung attempts to become human by meditatitng for 100days but Seo-hwa got caught and Wol-Ryung had no choice but to reveal his identity, which cursed him to live as a demon for 1000years :( Seo-hwa was shocked and betrayed Wol-Ryung by rejecting him and turning him to the authorities. Seo-hwa later found out she was pregnant and gave birth to a baby (Kang Chi). She gave him to So-jeong (Wol-ryung's friend) and tried to kill Gwan-woong but instead got stabbed herself.

The drama fast-forwarded to 20years later after Kangchi was adopted by a merchant Park Mu sol and brought up as his own son. It seemed that 20 years did pass along rather peacefully but in a flash, what happened 20 years ago to Seo-hwa's family repeated with Park Mu Sol and his family. Deja vu I guess..Things started unfolding very interesting and quickly, I found myself realising that there is a bigger plot amidst the romance and each episode becomes very exciting. No wonder this show is gaining popularity (in addition to the star-studded cast). Currently its up to Episode 14 but in total there are 24.


Can't wait for the next episode;)

Lee Seung gi & Suzy

Seo Hwa & Wolryung

HISTORY (히스토리)- up and rising

우리 알지 않아요?

I really like this guy group a lot and I do believe thwy've got potential to shine! :D

And yea my bias is Song Kyungil, the leader and also the most charismatic (goodlooking) and oldest.

Here are the lyrics:

불렀다
마침내 내 이름을 불렀다
그 때 난 모든 것을 꿈꿨다
내 곁의 너를 빛낼 찬란한
나의 모습을


One step 내 뒤에 널 태우고
Two step 저 높이로 날으고
아주 미칠 듯 멋질 테니까
놀라지 마요
You are so beautiful You~
One step 가슴에 널 채우고
Two step 첫 단추를 채우고
이제 딴 곳을 보지 마요
한 곳만 바라봐 줘요
나만 바라봐 줘요


(네 마음을)
훔쳤다
이걸 절대 놓지 않을 거야
(나에 대해서)
알았다
한 치 앞 볼 수 없던 내가 아냐
내 모든 친구들
모두 널 좋아 할거야
나의 사람이 될 너를


느꼈다
널 보는 순간 나는 알았다
내 생애 최고의 순간임을
날 전부 바꿀
결정적 그 순간임을


One step 내 뒤에 널 태우고
Two step 저 높이로 날으고
아주 미칠 듯 멋질 테니까
놀라지 마요
You are so beautiful You~
One step 가슴에 널 채우고
Two step 첫 단추를 채우고
이제 딴 곳을 보지 마요
한 곳만 바라봐 줘요
나만 바라봐 줘요


훔쳤다
조심스러워 보여도 맡은
Mission은 이미 Possible
알았다
풀 수 없을 것 같았던
심리전 끝에 얻은 그대의 Password
You’d better watch out 느낌을 갖춰
네게 찾아온 이 밤 우리 발맞춰
One step and two step 숨죽여 I got you


이 느낌이 좋아
숨을 깊이, Who-A
조심스레
너의 맘을 가질러 찾아온 이 밤


One step 내 뒤에 널 태우고
Two step 저 높이로 날으고
아주 미칠 듯 멋질 테니까
나를 보고 놀라지마
You are so beautiful You~
One step 가슴에 널 채우고
Two step 첫 단추를 채우고
이제 딴 곳을 보지 마요
한 곳만 바라봐 줘요 wonderful~


(네 마음을)
훔쳤다
이걸 절대 놓지 않을 거야
(나에 대해서)
알았다
한 치 앞 볼 수 없던 내가 아냐
내 모든 친구들
나만큼 좋아 할거야


너의 맘을 가진 오늘
니 꿈을 꾼다



You called me
Finally you called my name
And here began all my dreams
Having you here with me
Makes everything shine brighter


One Step You sit behind me
Two Step We fly up high
It will be incredibly cool
Don’t be surprised
You are so beautiful You~
One Step Fill my heart with you
Two Step Fasten the first button
Don’t look anywhere else now
Only look here, please
Only look at me


(Your Heart)
I stole your heart
I won’t let go of your hand
(Things about me)
I know you now
Couldn’t see beyond my nose, but now I can
All my friends will like you
As much as I do
You belong to me


I feel it
The moment I saw you I just knew it
This moment will be the best in my life
The decisive moment
that can change me


One Step You sit behind me
Two Step We fly up high
It will be incredibly cool
Don’t be surprised
You are so beautiful You~
One Step Fill my heart with you
Two Step Fasten the first button
Don’t look anywhere else now
Only look here, please
Only look at me


I stole it
Seemed to be cautious,
But the mission is possible
I knew it
Seemed to be mysterious,
But I got the password at the end of the mind game
You’d better watch out, can’t fight this feeling
Come to you this night, we walk together
One step and Two step, I whisper, “I got you”


I like this feeling
Take a deep breath, Who-A
Carefully
I’m here to steal your heart tonight


One Step You sit behind me
Two Step We fly up high
It will be incredibly cool
Don’t be surprised
You are so beautiful You~
One Step Fill my heart with you
Two Step Fasten the first button
Don’t look anywhere else now
Only look here, please. Wonderful~


(Your Heart)
I stole your heart
I won’t let go of your hand
(Things about me)
I know you now
Couldn’t see beyond my nose, but now I can
All my friends will like you
As much as I do


Tonight I stole your heart,
And I dream of you

Fly to L.O.V.E. - Lunafly's showcase at Hard Rock Cafe

Finally I have some time to update you guys about the Lunafly concert! :)

ONE WORD IN TINGLISH (Teo's English): AMAZING. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ...

Went for Trifactor Swim with John at Sentosa in the morning..While everyone did 3k, i did a 500m (well, at least i did an easy 5k run). After that I had to rush home to get ready for the concert. Esther and I arrived at Hard Rock at 2pm and the queue for fans waiting to get in snaked into the carpark already. Luckily 2 girls I met at the Sheng Siong Show actually offered me a place near the front. The sweltering heat didn't help with the mood and it really made me perspire so much that the girls behind me offered tissues :O OMO..

3pm came after an excruciatingly long wait and we were ushered in..EXCITED! It was much cooler inside but we felt a little cheated because Hard Rock customers could watch for free while we had to pay..urgh.

Finally Lunafly appeared :) And boy, I was really enchanted by their entrance..We were standing quite close and I was rather tall so it was quite a good position; just that it wasn't close to shake their hands or fancam with them but anyhow, I had fun.

entrance in

  They performed a lot of songs - both covers & Lunafly's songs and a mix of the Korean and English versions & also had a costume change, from black to multicoloured :) I'm not trying to be biased or anything but this is the best concert I've ever attended because Lunafly really tries to connect with the audience through eye-contact (Yun especially!), Teo's bantering with Sam and the audience and how Sam tries to make everything clear in English for us.

I'll never forget how Yun stared at me..hehehes..I gave up making eye contact with Sam because clearly he is professional through eye contact with the audience - he makes eye contact with everyone but for Yun, you can actually feel that the eye contact is personal. His gaze is electrifying and has, in the split moment made me like him a lot. :) <3 Although he likes Hyorin, tall older girls and girls who walk with a gentle pretty gait, I doubt I caught his attention..hahahs me & my wishful thinking...

camwhoring - wished its my camera though

Sam's looking here

Yunnie ^^

Hard to capture Teo cos he is so far

Photo with the guys - i was grinning a little too much :/

Stuck onto Sam Carter :)

Just a short post in the midst of studying - good things must be shared.. maybe not Sam Carter :p

Anyway, I bought tickets to Lunafly's concert on 12 May, less than a month away, can't wait!!!! Splurged on the VIP priority pass ($121) but it's totally worth it (I hope!)

Well, I'm head over heels in love with this new Korean band; they can't dance but they sure look good, play awesome covers and songs, as well as are talented in their own individual ways :)

Speaking of which, Sam (leader of Lunafly) hosts a section of Arirang Radio daily for 2h (4-6pm) - Super Kpop and I do try to listen to it everyday ;)

Do take a listen too!

http://www.arirang.co.kr/Radio/Radio_Home.asp?PROG_CODE=RADR0155&MENU_CODE=101730&code=Be1

And for now there's a new stream starring them! They are awfully funny :) And unlike other bands, they do try their best to interact with fans
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/official-lunafly

List of Songs for Going on a Holiday!

Ok after listening to Lunafly's new album..it made me think of recommending a list of songs that you should put on your playlist if you're going on a holiday.. Basically these songs make you feel happy, jumpy, cheerful & just feel like dancing..hehehes..

1. Sistar - Loving You (Beach style)

2. Show Luo, Rainie Yang  羅志祥 楊丞琳 王見王 (City Style)

3. Kim Greem - Love Song (Countryside style)

4. IU - Beautiful Dancer (Concert Style)

5. 2pm - Hands Up (Club Style)

6. Lunafly - Fly to Love (Getaway style)

Happy Song :D - Introducing LUNAFLY!!!

Ok 2 days more to the last race for the sem - NUS Biathlon - hope I'll do well despite the off-formness I've been feeling since I was back from Adelaide..

Anyways to sidetrack a little - here's a new band that really is pure talented (though I think most Kpop bands I know of are too) They're quite unique actually but this song makes me sooooo happy that I just feel like dancing :)

Hehehs..

Lunafly - Fly to Love

Enjoy!