There are plenty of K-dramas that garner low ratings, nowadays more than ever since the audience seems to be dwindling and there are so many other options beyond the Big Three networks including the rise of cable programming. Despite all that, I’m still stunned to see the current KBS Wed-Thurs drama Pretty Boy (Bel Ami) with Jang Geun Seok and … Continue reading →
We’ve arrived at yet another premiere week in K-drama land, and this one comes courtesy of Pretty Boy (Bel Ami) taking over the time slot vacated by Secret on KBS Wed-Thurs. Starring Jang Geun Seok, IU, Lee Jang Woo, and Han Chae Young, I’m approaching this one with a dash of hesitation but an open mind since I’ve a fondness … Continue reading →
Judging drama posters before the drama airs is much like judging a book by the cover. It’s simply the superficial glossing but still eligible to be critiqued on its own since it’s one element of the entire drama package. Bad drama posters won’t mean anything if the drama turns out to be good (see Scandal: That Very Shocking and Immoral … Continue reading →
I don’t know whether to lead with the latest stills and previews for Pretty Boy, or with the confirmed news that leading man Jang Geun Seok has finally cut his hair. A hair change for a drama role is normally not newsworthy (though Yoon Eun Hye‘s fried perm for Marry Him If You Dare did cause waves a few month … Continue reading →
People can debate what Jang Geun Seok has or doesn’t have, from looks to social graces to career wisdom, but it’s neigh impossible to debate whether he can or cannot act. The man can act, and he’s been able to act since he first graced the screen as a child actor. When he turns on the acting mode, he’s in … Continue reading →
It’s understandable that the upcoming KBS Wed-Thurs drama Pretty Boy is getting the most attention for being a Jang Geun Seok drama, but I think the two leading ladies have to hold their own otherwise this thing will collapse on the weight of some mighty narcissism. A bunch of new stills have been released along with confirmation that the drama … Continue reading →
It’s a testament as to how far Jang Geun Seok has veered to the fringes of K-ent that news of his impending drama returns garners mostly reservations and disappointment from the general drama watching audience, with only his more devoted fans leading the cheering. I still vividly remember the You’re Beautiful craziness, and the year or so afterwards when everything … Continue reading →
In all my years and years of drama watching, I’ve yet to encounter a more preposterous and perplexing official posed shot of the leads of a drama attending the obligatory prayer ceremony. Korea still heavily practices rituals that may have shamanistic or Buddhist origins, and a prayer ceremony complete with offerings, incense, and prayer is something that occurs mostly as … Continue reading →
Come and take a piping hot first look at Jang Geun Seok and IU in the upcoming Pretty Man. The title was at times translated as Beautiful Man or Pretty Guy, but KBS is sticking with Pretty Man. This drama airs on Wed-Thurs after Secret on KBS, so if the ratings rankings currently hold, PM will have a nice cushion … Continue reading →
I didn’t want to post about this until the official news outlets started talking about it, but last week in an unrelated post the subject of the upcoming K-drama Miss Korea came up and in the comments section I discussed how Lee Yeon Hee was unofficially the leading lady SM wanted for the role. This week the media confirmed the … Continue reading →
Excuse me, but whut? It’s been hours since I heard this news and my mind is still not computing. I suppose in the world of K-drama casting anything goes, and I mean anything as long as it’s some arrangement between the agencies and production companies that the audiences will never know about other than wonder skeptically why two people were … Continue reading →
We’re one week out from the premiere of The Best Lee Soon Shin and I’m getting more and more excited. I always want to like at least one weekend family drama a year because its makes a nice contrast to the sleeker fare of the primetime shows. It’s predecessor My Daughter Seo Young has done such phenomenal ratings and TBLSS … Continue reading →
With two weeks left until its premiere, don’t be surprised to start seeing more promotional material from upcoming weekend drama The Best Lee Soon Shin. I’m also uncertain whether relatively newbie actress IU, with only a supporting part in Dream High under her belt, is ready to headline a drama that is named after her character no less. She has … Continue reading →