Please tell me this is the drama god’s idea of a joke, because there is some symmetry to be had but the end result might be pain for drama lovers the world over. Cheongdamdong Alice proves yet again that two good actors with an interesting concept does not equal good drama if the writing is crap. But that doesn’t mean … Continue reading →
I’m sure slick and soulless mega-producer Yu Zheng was just savoring all the slings and arrows shot his way during the filming of The Swordsman last year, when he cast actress Chen Qiao En to play the male Big Bad character of Dong Fang Bu Bai and gave the character a love line with hero Ling Hu Chong, who was … Continue reading →
Most weekend dramas are of the longish variety so when I first heard Cheongdamdong Alice would be the typical weekday drama length of 16-episodes, I worried there wasn’t enough time for the entire story to be told properly. Turns out I was right but for the wrong reasons, there was enough time, the writers just wasted most of it on … Continue reading →
It’s weird how a disappointing streak with dramas can color even upcoming releases. With Cheongdamdong Alice wrapping up this weekend, its follow up drama has been quietly preparing for its premiere next week and released two teasers recently. As a die-hard Kang Ji Hwan fan I should be all over The Incarnation of Money like cat on cream but the … Continue reading →
The penultimate episode of Cheongdamdong Alice laid bare all its limitations (and then some) while confirming for me that I’ve wasted my time with this drama that doesn’t actually have a meaningful story to tell. It’s not entertaining anymore, and I’m not getting any insightful takeaways at the end of the day? Then what is the point? I’m finishing for … Continue reading →
I’m used to the 2-episode a week format for K-dramas, and the even more painful 1-episode a week format for TW-dramas and J-doramas. But when it comes to C-dramas, I’ve been spoiled on the 5-episode a week format so much that watching 2-episodes a weekend of Drama Go Go Go has been so so so painful because the drama has … Continue reading →
Cheongdamdong Alice was the first weekend drama I recapped since I started blogging nearly 3 years ago. That’s quite a feat since I managed to refrain from recapping Secret Garden despite being completely rabidly obsessed with it for the first 10 episodes (the second half drove me insane with hatred), which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I … Continue reading →
Yes, I am currently marinating in jealousy. Anyone want to get in, there’s room for more. In early January 2013, already-married celebrity couple Oguri Shun and Yamada Yu invited their friends and family to their beloved favorite vacation destination of Hawaii to attend their belated wedding ceremony. The couple officially married back in March 2012, which was revealed to the … Continue reading →
What the hell is this? I made a decision long ago to avoid Jang Geun Seok’s singing career, or rapping career, or clubbing career, or whatever the heck career he wants in entertainment aside from acting. But this new atrocity dropped on my lap and I couldn’t swerve fast enough to avoid it. With him choosing the somnambulant Love Rain … Continue reading →
There is a saying in Chinese “One smile covers three imperfections” (一笑遮三醜), which is really a way to encourage folks who are less than naturally blessed with good looks to use their learned talents such as a great personality to compensate for shortcomings one has no control over. Smile more and it’ll go a ways to enhancing one’s attractiveness. When … Continue reading →
Calm down, calm down, stop hyperventilating. Okay, who am I kidding – everyone commence hyperventilating! One of the major Chinese networks Jiang Su STV has confirmed that Taiwanese boyband extraordinaire F4 is in fact reuniting and performing for its 2013 Lunar New Year extravaganza program welcoming the year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. Despite all attempts to sign … Continue reading →
Despite the recent generally lackluster offerings in the usually high profile Wed-Thurs network K-dramas, the just premiered 7th Level Civil Servant should be glad its got a 3 week head start on its upcoming rivals. Action thriller IRIS 2 premieres on February 13th and will certainly be a formidable opponent in terms of star wattage and production grandeur, but also premiering … Continue reading →
Recently coming across new pictures of Ha Ji Won and Lee Seung Gi promoting The King 2 Hearts brings back such fond memories of that drama, and intertwined in all those memories are of the adorable and talented Jo Jung Seok who played the unforgettable Eun Shi Kyung, the slightly stodgy and incredibly earnest King’s guard. I pile hope upon … Continue reading →