Welp, the long Korean drama national nightmare that is K-Bu Bu Jing Xin is finally over, and those who stuck around long enough will now need therapy and recovery time. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart: Ryeo got its highest ratings ever with 11.3% for the final episode 20, while KBS notched 8.5% for The Man Living in Our House and it was 8.1% for Woman with a Suitcase on MBC. But who cares about the competition, I just want to punch the screen through every seething second the final episode of K-BBJX, an adaptation that failed so epically in the second half it washed away all the limited bits of grace generated in the uneven first half.
The central romance had no emotional resonance and the truncated narrative left everything underdeveloped. IU‘s Hae Soo ended up being the most frustrating character when even the evil baddies all had layers and hers was just not having a strong stand on the right issues and taking the wrong side every chance she could against Lee Jun Ki‘s 4th Prince. I couldn’t wait for her to die and ship back to the modern world and chalk up this story to a very bad batch of mushrooms induced nightmare, and in Goryeo poor So never met Hae Soo and ended up with a woman who actually appreciated his intensity and commitment to her.
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It would've been better if they met somehow in the modern days, it gives us closure! Hot mess
Apparently Lee Jun Ki did film a scene during modern times but they decided to cut it out. I guess they really wanted it to be different from the cdrama. Pity though... I'm not a fan of open endings cause it seems like sloppy writing (since it seems like they can't choose between a good or bad ending) but for a time travel drama, I felt it was needed. I'm glad I dropped the drama after episode 8, I couldn't take IUs acting.. O.O is an emoticon that will always remind me of IU from now on.
I actually liked the final xD maybe I was expecting something worse
So the twist is different from the Chinese version. Unfortunately it didn't work. Through her letters, she claimed that she loves Soo. Sorry I don't buy it. I didn't see her struggles or had in any way showed her tiniest feeling for So. Perhaps it's her deer in headlights acting. What a waste. Please choose a better project next time LjK.
He had chosen carefully if I must say in his defense. Investment from Universal Studio, acclaimed director with Best Director gong under his belt and steady acclaimed works in his resume, Pre-production, solid material source, Reference from a successful adaptation. What not? It was totally a case of misfortune for him.
I think the problem is for the past 2 dramas he picked ones that seemed to have all the ingridents to be a bonfied Hallyu hits that would launch his career into an even bigger level like DOTS or YFAS mania did for its male leads.
Ingredients for a bonafied Hallyu hit... You mean Scholar and this (or maybe Joseon Gunman)? With female leads like Lee Yubi, IU or Nam Sang Mi? With such inconsistent writers? If you though even for a moment that any of these dramas could've launched LJK's career to a higher level (or even equivalent) of where Kim Soo Hyun and Song Joong Ki are right now in terms of popularity... I'll just say I don't get it.
There is no need to expect him to achieve the same stature as Song Joong Ki and Kim Soo Hyun. He had passed his prime, just accept it.
What I want is for him to be in a quality drama, not necessarily a rating hit. Drama like "W" or "On The Way To The Airport" are not ratings hit but at least, they came across to be well done. At least, we don't have to go reckoning on what went wrong when everything could be so right. At early stage, the only liabilities K-BBJX had were the writer and IU. I thought it would be fine since this drama is pre-produced, in the hands of an accomplished director and may be, the writer is better off working on adaptation instead of totally fresh material. But it turned out everyone messing up the drama minus LJK and KHN. So it was a case of bad luck.
@DEE...LJK is 34. That's pretty young. SJK is 31 - and he had a big year with DOTS. Just looking at their age, I don't agree with your assessment with LJK is past his prime. I hope LJK finds a good project in the future to re-solidify his career. By the way, I don't know anything about drama-making so I'm going to throw this question out there. Is there a person who oversees the production of a drama? Who is ultimately the person in charge? I mean, there's the writer and director, etc. but shouldn't there be someone at the top, a general manager, who makes the shot and makes the tough decisions and decides, yeah this will work or nope, this won't work.
@Del Lee Joon GI is 34. If he was a woman then I might agree with your assessment (thanks to society and it's fuck up sexist attitude), but as a man - and a young/good looking one - he's hardly passed his prime. If Moon Lovers haven't been botched up so badly, it could have been a potentially big hit and boost his career. As it it, even with the series being a shit show, LJG have pretty much received universal praise and his popularity have sky rocketed. The bottom line is that the series might have been a failure, but it's not a total loss for LJG.
@CC and @Applepie
Let me get it straight that I am a huge fan of LJK, even before Scarlet Heart. It's not that I think he is too old but I kind of feel like our desperate need to have him established himself to that level leaving a room open for haters to pin-point that he is a "has been star, an actor of yesterday". Surely, Scarlet Heart could have had been the vehicle to propel him to new height of fame should it didn't tanked badly. But I am more than pleased that he is getting recognized more for his brilliant performance. So, there's the saying that LJK has large fanbase in overseas but sadly, not in domestic Korea.
Lee Jun Ki in his 20s was as huge as Kim Soo Hyun or any of the other current 20s Hallyu stars, if not huger. The King & the Clown made him hugely popular across Asia in the years when Japan was open to korean entertainment, and it's spoken of with major respect even now because that was the film that started the trend of sageuk films.
He already had that level of fame and said it put a lot of stress on him to the point where he couldn't even go out comfortably, I doubt he wants that level of madness again. But I hope he has better luck with scripts and PDs next time. He wants a domestic hit, that's perfectly normal for an actor.
@ Del. My comment was not meant to accuse or implied that you weren't fan. If I came across like some defensive nutso fan then that wasn't my intention. I like watching LJG on screen, but besides rhe occasional "he's so hot" comment fangirling isn't my thing. I don't give two toss what so called " haters" say about him. I just hope that he can be in better projects so that I can enjoy his acting (and prettiness) without subjecting myself to crap like Moon Lovers. I couldn't make it through Scholar despite his pretty presence. I maybe shallow, but I have my limits and if it wasn't for my fondness for the story of BBJX I wouldn't even have bothered to finish Moon Lovers.
By the way, do you also post on Dramabeans? There's a poster there with your users name.
To him, fans are fans. The more love the more popularity. Yes domestic popularity may be preferred but as a performer to have sustaining attention with the audience is quite a feat. That's hard even for veterans. Plus, given how many more followers ended on IG because of this drama, shows that this drama had traction. Up to the middle of its run, it had quite a rapid rise in fandom. Despite how it ended, the cast, and LJK most, deserves huge credit. It's easy to criticize and serve up a dish of what-ifs but it's apparent that all were pretty committed - though poor choices by the production team and higher-ups were made. That's all one can do as an actor really - no matter how bad the ship sinks you stay committed and loyal. LJK has that in spades. He may not be the most popular but I don't think I've seen anyone in a tough situation as those that he's been dealt handle it so honorably and in such swaggering stride. I think he has anyone else beat in that department no matter how steep and popular his competition. I do believe if he wants it badly enough there will be a drama out there that not only showcases his acting skills but aligns with great writing, directing, production, etc. K-BBJX did give him one thing, which was exposure and showcased his versatility as an actor. I don't think I could have quite said the latter until this point. That type of visibility is priceless.
I'm not a huge LJK fan, but I would say that he's already a big Hallyu star since his second lead role in My Girl. I was indifferent about the fuss (because LDW was more my style) but I get he was so popular due to his anime features.
SJK became more popular due to DOTS, but to me he was already a star since RM and SKKS. He was in Nice Guy and Wolf Boy too which were hits in Asia. I guess for K-actors it's good to be in a KES drama, but as a drama fan, I'd prefer that my fave actors be in well-written and well-directed shows. :P
@CC What I meant in the first place, he had experienced that level of popularity before, he had passed that "prime" what's with fandoms and all sorts. We pretty much settled that he was once extremely popular and it's normal that being overtaken by new crops of actors. Interestingly, this drama catapulted his popularity among international fans though can't say the same in Korea. I just hope his current high marketability abroad could help to land him better roles with good solid team -great PD and writer because those roles normally go to current IT actors that could bring in high domestic ratings.
BTW, yes, I also posted comments at DB only because of SH. I don't normally catch any drama by episode, normally waited until its completed run but that's the amazing thing that this drama made me did only to let me down. Sign.
The problem is not his dramas or his co-stars. You can't forever keep blaming the two and pretend that he is somehow above it all. And I hate the obligatory female co-star bashing that goes with being a LJK fan - like putting down an actress doesn't elevate your bias.
He is in need of reinvention as an actor, right now he is just coasting along. The fangirls may love it but it is entirely correct that he is not among the new crop of talents and also hasn't made the jump to anything that will get him critical accolades.
@K "and also hasn't made the jump to anything that would get him critical accolades"
.....except that he's received more critical acclaim than ever for his acting after coming back from his military service. Arang, Two Weeks, Joseon Gunman, even Moon Lovers.
@Gina, on the fan sites maybe where they can't seem to stop gushing. But I can't recollect any review elsewhere. Plus those dramas are nowhere near enough to give him critical acclaim like say Gong yoo's work this year.
@ K I'm guessing that @Gina's point is that regardless of the ratings of some his dramas, LJK's performances are generally well thought of. With the exception of SJ & DOTS going hallyu, I don't think many Korean actors are taking on Gong Yoo this year. However, a lot of that is because of his well done success in movies where he sees the full script so there is a level of quality control that you do not and will not ever have in Korean dramas as best I can tell. I mean it was just a few years ago that GY did a Hong Sister's drama that didn't go so well, and I've always thought that was the reason for his long delay returning to them. It's always going to be a roll of the dice in k-dramaland. I'm just rooting for them all. Fighting!
PS: I do not generally Monday morning quarterback when people accept or don't accept roles, but just imagine if Gong Yoo had accepted DOTS....I think he was one of the guys offered the role. He would own 2016.
@Kat well that is what I meant - to be considered a great actor you have to do some quality cinema and he hasn't made that jump. With dramas there is always some good looking guy who is a decent actor and the next Hallyu star for fangirls. It all depends on what is the hit of the year. There too if you ask me someone like Ji Sung is more consistent in dramaland, no major highs but a consistent body of work.
I don't think LJK picked the wrong project actually.
He carried the show. Even though the plot went to shit, his portrayal of Wang So was one of the best performances from a K-actor that I have ever seen, in my 16 years of K-drama watching.
The plot might have been bad, but we have to admit, it was addictive. Or LJK is addictive, which is why we are all still here. I'm sure he was disappointed with the ratings, but LJK probably picked up millions of new fans, and reinforced his status as a one of the best K-actors of his generation.
Also, his performance is one worth watching and watching again. I'd skip the whole drama, and just see LJK. IU was sleepwalking through her role by the end, but LJK kept up the intensity, right to the very last scene. I am in awe of his talent.
So very right. EPIC Mess. And that came from someone who loved this drama, who stick with it through thick and thin.
I am at loss of words because I had been saying too much. I am going to rewatch episode 1 until 8. The rest, I considered a nightmare and thank goodness, no reincarnation. Wang So had suffered enough. Please don't let him meet that dumbwit ever again.
I already plan on finding and watching the SBS version through when they finally hook up and play shadow finger animals. I enjoyed those first 16 or so episodes and actually was fine with the last episode as well. It actually was better than I expected, and I liked that he knew he had the little girl and let Jung off the hook. I thought perhaps they would hook up in the future but I actually wasn't fond of the C-Drama ending with her at the museum and the guy walking out the door. I will say I always expected more with Ji Mong and what he meant to all this; that I guess will not be answered.
My expectations for this drama were always in the middle because of the 20 episodes, but I will not even try to justify the last several episodes before #20. Trying to mush five plus hours worth of narrative and character development into two hours is never going to work.
It does seem that if this drama had had "normal" competition, it probably would have competed in the 10 to 13ish % range for its run. But LJG never has luck with competition of his dramas. Regardless of issues, I'm glad for the international success for all of the actors and the hard work they put into it.
I'm glad Koala's national nightmare is over. I think if I loved the novel and C-Drama to the extent she did, I'd probably feel the same way. I've really thought if another solid actor was in the Wang So role if I would have liked the drama as much. I've decided I probably would have still enjoyed the same episodes, but it wouldn't have had the sparkle/cracktastic feel that I had for much of the drama. Hmmm...I don't know...I just can't imagine anyone else. Regardless, he definitely is the key to 99% of the success it got. I selfishly want to see him again soon without it involving me seeing a zombie movie.
Seriously, I'm so confused..
Since when does Wook have a daughter out of nowhere? How on earth..?!
OK, then show implies that she is Woo-hee's daughter. Since when did she even get pregnant?! When did she even gave birth to a baby when she threw her self off the castle before Baek-ha even went off to the battle.
Suddenly there are all kids popping up here and there without the audience even having witness a woman with a pregnant tummy on our screens. Oh snaps.. I forgot that this show is a Master in Time-skips....
I think she's suppose to be a reincarnation of Woohee, not her actual daughter
WooHee never had a daughter and neither did Wook. The daughter just happened to have WooHee's talisman and be in Wook's house. She was Hae Soo and Wang So's daughter. Only one daughter throughout the end and it was Hae Soo's shown by Jung pleading with Wang So that Hae Soo didn't want her daughter to grow up in the palace. Wang So found out by the hair pin Soo always wore (I forgot if he actually gave it to her or not) and I'm pretty sure after WooHee's suicide, the talisman went to Soo because they were good friends.
I'm talking about the other girl.
She is not the same girl as Soo's daughter. They look completely different.
According to Baek-ha: "You are Wook's daughter right? I'm your uncle. Your 13th uncle."
No. She's a different child. If you look carefully, Hae Soo and Wang So's daughter is different from the girl that baek-ah saw. Most probably, she's a relative of Woo-hee or something. Or yeah, I can bite the reincarnation theory lols. Also, many years had already passed since Hae Soo died then, Wook already remarried and so is Jung. So it's not impossible to have a daughter or children rather.
I happened to lurk at Soompi though never leaving any comment since I am not a registered member.
The little girl that Baek Ah met at Wook's house is a historical indication seems a member (a Korean) explained that in history, the girl whom is Wook's daughter will marry So's son and only after her husband passed away, she had an illicit affair with her uncle Baek Ah. So, the drama tried to paint an inkling that she probably is Woohee.
@Del
Oh great.. Another incest.. Yuck.
@Del- really? I wasn't going to comment on this post but after reading this I think my stomach just churned. That is disgusting.
@Bwear & @Ck1Oz
Can't do much since incest is pretty much everywhere in that era but I seriously feel they overplayed it. When they have taken creative license towards history, they could just choose to ignore or not having to come up with that scene at all.
I keep thinking only if the lead actress was either Lee Bo Young or Moon Geun Young, then the drama would have been fantastic! IU just can't act the part in this drama....I am not her antifan, and I actually like IU song's and her acting in Producer, but this character was too high of a challenge for her and she didn't meet the challenge unfortunately. Without Lee Jun Ki, I doubt anyone else would have kept watching K-BBJX.
The ending was so confusing...2 kids...one supposedly from the Bakje princess, that Wook is actually taking care off??? When did the 8th prince even spoke to the Bakje princess or even have a relationship deep enough to take care of her kid????
The other kid is Hae Soo's and the 14 prince is taking care of....that is a nice twist to the ending.
However, they should have made the 4th prince meet IU in Modern times like in the C-version.. that would have been a better lead into a possible sequel or at least an open ending like the c-drama. They already copied pretty much most of the important scenes, might as well copy the last scene too.
I think they should leave it alone. The C-version sequel didn't do so well. Since Korea can't even use the base source of the popular novel and C-drama to make a hit K-drama adaptation, I doubt they can make a less popular drama from china into a hit.....
I didn't really think it was a complete flop. I mean, if you check Lee Joon Gi's instagram account, his followers suddenly jumped to more than 1.3m. Not to mention, if you check his previous posts when SHR is not yet broadcasting, his likes will just accumulate to 50000, sometimes even less. If you check now, his likes will not go down 100,000. In a way, it made him popular. Really popular. Worldwide even. I should know because after watching SHR I became a fan and I'm not the only one.
The ratings at home sting but LJG's popularity has exploded. I'm not a big social media person but someone mentioned he gained around 900,000 more followers on instagram just in the run of Scarlet Heart. Good. He deserves it.
I follow him on IG and started before the broadcast of SH. Back when I joined, it was only 391K and that was in June 2016. By now, he has more than 1.3 million followers. And you could view on how article on him never generated comment in soompi but now, every articles on him flooded with comments. They also said that it's only LJK and not SH that picking up buzz on weibo and if you checked the social media page like ONE TV Asia, all bombarded with comments on LJK. So to speak, he really is becoming more popular after SH.
I'm not even halfway done so I'm still enjoying it right now but I will watch to the end for LJK and I usually don't do this sort of thing. Anyway, I hope LJK's see a real bump to his career after this.
I TOTALLY AGREE that he needs to act in a modern drama also. I mean look at him in the pic where he's throwing a heart. He's crazy gorgeous and he burns up the screen when he acts. Such a charming actor and person.
Well if this isn't a convincing argument not to watch K-BBJX, I don't know what is.
I shall now proceed to go re-watch the original Bu Bu Jing Xin for the 4th time and laugh/cry my way through all 35 hours.
Just watch the scenes with Lee Jun Ki , Han Ka-Neul and the evil queen. They're worth it. Completely ignore (if you can) IU/Hae Soo.