K!Drama Update

 

Mmmm.... I may have gone a little overboard, on several counts.

First, I'm watching 4-5 dramas right now.  That's a bit much, even for me. Second, I ....  I made a spreadsheet.  To track my drama watchage.  Because 1) I love spreadsheets. 2) I love spreadsheets. 3) I wanted to know how many actual hours I'd spent immersed in Korean.

Don't believe me?  Good.  Because I wanted to give you a screenshot anyway:

Yeah.  I'm up to almost 600 hours.  And that's not counting the new ones, or shows that I've only watched partially, or random episode viewings (I'm sure Coffee Price would be up to 10 or so if I were counting miscellaneous episode viewings).  This is also why the majority of them have pretty high scores - if it's a crap show I abandon it pretty quickly.  I also stole my ranking system from www.dramabeans.com - Seems really necessary separate How-Good-I-Actually-Think-The-Show-Is from How-Much-I-Enjoyed-The-Show.  They are almost always different.

SIX HUNDRED HOURS.  There are only 720 hours in a month.  If you take out 6 hours a night for sleep, that only leaves you with 540 hours.  I like to think that I've effectively been a silent member of Korean society for over a month now.  I'm also curious to see how high that number climbs before I actually go to Korea.

Did I mention I'm planning on actually going to Korea now?  NEW LIFE PLAN.  After I finish Grad School (still one horrendous year left) I'm planning to go teach English in South Korea!  For Real!  I'm pretty fucking excited.  I think it will be really fun, and I've always been an advocate for Americans getting (the fuck) out of America for a while.  And while I did do a little exchange program in Paris in undergrad, I always thought that was kind of paltry since it was only for 3 months.  I'll teach in Korea for at least a year, and actually the real number I've got in my head is 2 years.  We'll see how it goes, I suppose :D

Maybe I'll go more into that later, but for now I feel like cataloging/reviewing the new shows I've been watching:  Which will mean almost nothing to most of you.  Hurrah!

ROOFTOP PRINCE (Airing now!)

This shit is funny, y'all.  Time travel is a silly business, and so far this show is handling it really well.  I like most of the characters so far, and all the little interactions they're building up.  I'm excited to see the main pair progress, and I'm really actually intrigued by the mystery stuff - I want to know whodunnit, and I want confirmation that the dead body is who we think it is....  This is the one I really anticipate/wait for each week.  Also, I'm becoming more of a Micky Yoochun fan every day.

FASHION KING (Airing now!)

I'm started watching this for Yoo In Ah, and while he's awesome in it and just as manly-cute as ever, I'm definitely getting into the story.  This is only of only a few dramas where I can't decide which of the male leads I like better, or which I want the main girl to end up with.  The girls are who I have problems with.  I'm not a huge fan of Yuri yet, although I think she's doing a decent job with the bitchy character she's been given. Shin Se Kyung is also probably a decent actress, but I can't how much of a pushover she is - I really need her to vent and bitch somebody out really soon here.  But also, like, WOAH look at the drama going on in that promo picture.  So. Intense.

KING 2 HEARTS (Airing now!)

I've been kind of on the fence about this one... I'm watching for the actors - how can you not love Lee Seung Ki and Ha Ji Won?  But I was pretty luke-warm about the writing and the characters... Ji Won's character seems really inconsistent - being a total BAMFy one minute and disturbingly shy and reluctant the next, and she hasn't really sold me on that bipolar thing yet. And Lee Seung Gi's prince was such an asshole I had a hard time relating to him.  Also I find the bad guy just really annoying.  The show, and Fashion King also, is also peppered with really bad English.  And really bad English acting.  I have an unrealistic (given the size of my thighs) dream of going to Korea and becoming an actress who could actually act the 7 lines they need English speakers to say.   Sorry that was a tangent.  K2H may have finally caught my attention with the last episode, in which some completely unexpected things happened, and I think I'm finally interested in the characters and how they'll deal with there new circumstances.

CITY HALL (2009)

I just started this yesterday, as there were no updated episodes of the new shows, and I figured I couldn't go wrong with a Hong Sisters drama that starred Kim Sun Ah.  And so far, I'm not wrong.  It's not as zany as I was expecting (but perhaps because I've only been watching newer Hong Sisters' stuff), but it's still really well written and Kim Sun Ah is just as funny as I was hoping she'd be.  Also, she's not dying of cancer, which is what was happening the last time I got to see her. I like her much better this way. (<--)

UNSTOPPABLE HIGH KICK (2006)

This is totally different for me.  UHK is actually a Korean Sitcom - so only 25 minutes or so, and there are over 100 episodes.  But it's pretty classic, and it (and it's sequels) jump-started a lot of  careers, so it's fun to see all these people just starting out.  I was mostly interested in the second and third iterations, but when I found out the first one had Jung Il Woo in it, I just couldn't resist.  So far he wins my Korean Actor Emmy for being fucking incredible in absolutely everything I've seen him in.  So far, it's fun.  Light-hearted.  It's kind of nice to watch something without all the angst inherent in all the other dramas (save City Hall, that one's pretty damn fluffy, too).

And that's it.  And that's PLENTY.  If I were to recommend one, I would definitely go with Rooftop Prince, as it's the best so far on all levels.  Yay dramas!

Korean rom-coms have taught me how to get a rich man.

1. If you take a chaebol* home and he bonds with your family, you get to keep him.


2. If it looks like your chaebol might leave you, hug him from behind. This is the best way to stun him so that you can confess your love.

3. The more accidents you get in, the more opportunities your chaebol will have of saving you (which will make him feel like a real man, and not the pampered rich baby that he actually is).


4. Having weak ankles and very tall shoes helps. Is there a natural disaster going on? You'd better get outside as quick as you can. Dangerous body of water nearby (or any body of water, really)? Jump in and forget to breathe.

5. You can treat nice guys who love you and want to give you the world like absolute shit and they will keep coming back to you. And their attention will make your chaebol jealous, which is the best way to get him to realize that feeling in his tummy that's making him curl his fingers in rage is lust/love for YOU, pretty lady.

6. Is that thing averagely good or funny? Scream hysterically about how awesome it is. Your chaebol loves the sound of your high-pitched girly shrieks of joy.

7. Always say your chaebol's name in a plaintive, whiny, pathetic voice. This is absolutely endearing, obviously.

8. Change your name to something that means a regular object or idea, so your chaebol can use metaphors to make fun of you and find new ways to tell you you're shitty.


9. Did I mention you should be getting into lots of accidents? If you want to snatch your chaebol from that snobby bitch who's much better suited to him, you better be on death's door at least twice a week.


10. Food that looks like your chaebol is the true way to his heart. It can't just be delicious, it also needs give him the opportunity to indulge his ego.

11. Did your chaebol give you jewelry? DON'T FUCKING LOSE IT. EVER. LOSING THAT JEWELRY IS AKIN TO SHOOTING YOUR CHAEBOL IN THE FACE AND HE WILL HATE YOU FOREVER.


12. Is it time to test your chaebol's love? Get him to give you a piggyback ride. This will prove that not only is he strong enough to be yo man, he's strong enough to handle your drunk ass when you're plunged into hysterical depression because your chaebol hung out with his ex.


13. Does your chaebol tease you? Does your chaebol tell you you're a useless scrap of a human being, in no way good enough for him? Fear not. This is his high-brow way of telling you he's been waiting all his life for some poor, mistrodden thing like you to gather up the gumption to confess your love, and now that he's found you he's just testing to make sure you're as despicable as the fantasy he's built in his head. IN ESSENCE - buck up, buttercup, he's already yours.

14. Have you been to Jeju Island yet? Better get your asses there, fast as you can. There's no hope of a successful relationship with your chaebol unless you spend some time on Jeju.

16. DO NOT ACCEPT MONEY FROM YOUR CHAEBOL. No matter how shitty your life is becoming (most likely because his mother fucking hates you), your pride is your most attractive feature. (Mostly because it will lead you into many life-threatening situations that give him the opportunity to save you.)

17. Your chaebol has no idea how to communicate, relate, show love, or in any other way act like a normal human being. But this is why you love him. Just don't be surprised that he keeps doing shit that makes you think he hates you. He's probably trying to tell you he loves you, but it's like a dog trying to wipe it's ass with toilet paper - the muscles just aren't there yet. Wait it out. Keep almost dying. He'll learn.


18. Forcing your chaebol to endure insufferable embarrassment caused by you is the best way to help him learn.


19. Is there a ridiculous animal costume around? Get in it, quick. Chaebol love bestiality mixed with the idea of you looking pregnant with their babies/heirs.

20. Sacrifice yourself to save him. Your chaebol isn't used to people throwing anything besides money, so protecting him with your soul or body will stun the shit out of him.

21. The best way to sort through your problems is NOT by chatting with your friends or, heaven forbid, your chaebol himself. No. Definitely the way to go is by talking aloud to yourself. Crazy = attractive, and don't you forget it.

22. Also, clumsy = adorable. Acting (and looking) like a 5-year-old = adorable. Stuttering like an idiot = adorable. The more ridiculous and pathetic you make yourself, the better your chaebol will feel about himself. Cover his flaws with yours. He should never have to face the fact that he is anything less that completely perfect if you can help it.


23. Make sure you have some plucky friends - preferably one or two less attractive friends and one absolutely gorgeous friend pretending to be less attractive by wearing glasses. They will aid you immensely in convincing you that you should continue to act as prescribed in #22 to win your chaebol.

24. If by some stroke of romance-god luck you get to spend a night in the same bed as your chaebol, make sure you are unusually flaily in your sleep. This'll make him all hot and bothered, and your drooling on him will actually become an endearing memory in a few months time.


25. Most importantly, your ability to live a healthy life better hinge on whether or not you think you have a chance with your chaebol. If you're not willing to give up food and drink, spend hours in the freezing cold, and refuse to get out of bed should you get the impression he might forget you forever, then you don't deserve him, bitch.




*A "chaebol" is like a member of the elite super-rich class in Korea, and although there are a few dramas out there that don't feature chaebol male leads, they usually do - or someone similar in status. Male leads in korean dramas are much like Nietzsche super-men, and to the ladies around them they are supposedly perfect and completely unattainable.

You won me over, Kim Hyun Joong.

Although, admittedly, it wasn't that hard.

It takes a pretty catch beat to make me pay attention, though. Said catchy beat has been the go-to on my ipod for the last week:

And then tonight (in avoidance of homework), I invested a little more time. All it took was one smiley adorable song and I'm a bonified Kim Hyun Joong fangirl. (It also has a catchy beat.)

I didn't take too much notice before, because the other video I had seen of his was Breakdown, which just frustrated me since the entire thing seemed to be leading up to a dance fight (Pop! Hit it! Cool! Yeah!), but the dance fight never appeared. I left the video disgruntled and angry, forgetting about him until Lucky Guy got stuck in my head. He's in SS501 as well - apparently all their members get to go out and do solo stuff, which is neat - but I haven't taken the time yet to really suss out all the different members of that group, although I did know he was one of the more prominent(ly pretty) members.

Kim Hyun Joong is borderline too-perfect looking. He's got the Siwon-esque asian-ken-doll thing going on a bit, but somehow his silly hair and grin makes me not discredit his perfection the way I do for Siwon. He is just crazy-gorgeous, though. An almost unbelievable blend of pretty-boy kpop idol and some actual masculinity. See example here (start at 4:00 for the extra hotness):

The top comments on this video are pretty indicative of his vast appeal (the second one being my favorite):

"When he ripped that shirt open I think he ripped open my heart as well! I mean WOW! O.O"

"Very nicely done, the work is amazing. He must have to hide out from all his fans trying to rape/marry him. The poor dear."

And all this Kim Hyun Joong love is probably going to spurn me into actually watching the entirety of Boys Over Flowers. I started it once, but got bored/annoyed with it quickly (I hadn't learned to appreciate Lee Min Ho the way I do now (I know, I know.... how can anyone NOT appreciate Lee Min Ho - but I was really distracted/un-attracted to the perm)), but now that I have TWO lovely korean idols to swoon at.... Yeah. I think I'll be able to stick it out this time until the romantic plot finally takes hold. Hurrah for the imminent arrival of Christmas break!

Long story short - this Thanksgiving day, one of the MANY things I'm thankful for?

Kim Hyun Joong. And his sassy smiley ways. :D

P.S. Oh, what's that? You (I) want a couple more pictures of him? Preferably with your (my) favorite korean actress? DONE.

Korean Johnny Drama-Gold

I'm thanking myself right about now for making this silly blog. Because I was seriously lamenting the fact that I had no one to tell this to, and no forum I really wanted to post this in, and then I remember THE BLOG! ^_^

So I've returned to kdrama world. (yay!) I watched Heartstrings aka You've Fallen For Me last week (it was pretty mushy and ridiculous, but not horrific. The plot didn't do much, but I liked the characters enough to hang out - plus I liked getting to see Park Shin Hye not pretending to be a nun/boy-band-member). Then I decided to give the Hong sisters another shot (everyone gives them rave reviews, but they're a little iffy for me.... I loved My Girlfriend is a Gumiho once I got into it, but You're Beautiful was frustratingly addictive (but again, I had to really work to get into it, and I was constantly annoyed/distracted by how NOT boyish Park Shin Hye was - I've been thoroughly spoiled by Coffee Prince and Sungkyunkwan Scandal).

(These are both supposed to be girls dressed as boys. and this is just the face shot. If I had found a better full body shot, this would be an even more pronounced inferiority, as Park Shin Hye is one of the few Korean actresses out there who's actually got some T&A.)

I now get why the Hong sisters have the reputation they've got, and I finally think it's deserved. The Greatest Love is amazing. And it made me reassess their other dramas and realize that even when I was annoyed with something, it was with the actors or the acting, usually, not the dialogue or plot. I think the single greatest thing the Hong sisters have going for them is the ability to write a storyline that KEEPS MOVING. So many kdramas seem to pick one one problem and then beat. it. to. death. for 16+ episodes. With sisters' dramas, I never have any idea what's going to happen, and that's partially because things happen so quickly. (Which is awesome. They don't beat anything to death, except occasionally some second-male-lead angst, which is okay by me - there's got to be something out there to make you not like that second male lead so much.)

Anyway, I digress. The point of this post was actually just to mention that the reason I loved the main male lead in The Greatest Love, Dok Go Jin (Cha Seung Won), in all his quirkiness is that he is TOTALLY Korean Johnny Drama (if Johnny Drama were actually a successful actor). Same self-centered, egotistical dorkiness, complete with overacting and over re-acting. Actually, Dok Go Jin is more Johnny Drama + Ari Gold. (Seems impossible, right? Watch the clips. You'll agree, I swear.)

Johnny Drama is by far my favorite character on Entourage (took me 5 seasons to realize it, though). I think I really appreciate actors who can make ridiculous characters totally plausible. And I thank the Hong sisters for writing such a wackadoo character, and the director/producers for actually finding an actor who could pull it off, complete with some of the most ridiculous facial expressions I've ever seen broadcast. :D

Swoon.

So apparently I'm totally in love with Yoon Eun Hye in everything. It helps that in the two things I've seen her in (Coffee Prince & Goong) she plays similar tomboyish characters. But she seems to be a really good actress, and she's seriously seriously funny.

Um, also, like.... looooooooookit her lips. They're crazy.

so this isn't on the list...

(EDIT: Now it is. its 17 hours long and I've watched it 5.5 times in two weeks.)

...but I recently started watching Coffee Prince, the Korean Drama. (Although it was spurred from watching the BigBang parody, so maybe it still counts.) (Also, I probably should add androgyny in general to the list, in which case the totally and completely fits.)

Eun Chan is such a fantastic wackadoo. Watching her try to be a girl and walk in heels, her eating anything, running around like a crazy person, talking to herself.... she's just awesomely ridiculous. I'm totally in love with her, and Han Kyul - he's just freaking gorgeous. And he's adorable because he loves her soooo much.

So.... if you feel like you need to break into the world of Korean Dramas, I highly recommend Coffee Prince.
The whole thing's on www.dramafever.com :)