I love how they are reaching viewers around the world, the production company Group Eight released Playful Kiss Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/ytkiss with HD behind the scene clips, interviews and trailers.
Introduction is done in 5 different languages, the videos are still in Korean with English sub:
Mary night out has been attracting attention even before they started shooting, featuring Jang Geun Suk and Moon Geun Young as its leads. Recently, there are some official photos released to promote this drama.
Based on a manhwa by Park In-Kwon of the same name, The President brings us to a South Korea that runs by a female president. It breaks all the stereotypes, and goes to the core of humanity. As long as you have a heart for people, people will follow irregardless of your gender, race or background.
The President of South Korea Seo Hye Rim (Ko Hyun Jung) enters the scene with a hot potato on her plate. She needs to rescue a sinking submarine. The viewers’ attention are caught by the urgency of the story, waiting to see what action she will take in this critical situation. Of course she resolves it gracefully, yet a lot are told about this president from this incident. She puts her country and its citizen above herself.
One hand we want to know more about how she runs her office, on the other hand we are interested to find out her journey to the Presidency. The story flashes back to her life 10 years ago, just an ordinary girl from a small town. She has the best opportunity to be a prime time news reporter for a major TV station, but cannot achieve it because she was nervous and afraid of flying. I can’t help but wonder, how can someone who cannot really do anything right become the leader of a country. This is what makes the character introduction so interesting, we get to see the best and worst of Seo and eagerly anticipate her growth into the Woman in Command.
Ko Hyun Jung is the main lead in this drama, there are two male leads who play very critical support to her character Seo to become the President of South Korea. Ha Do Ya (Kwon Sang Woo) comes from a similar background, once a playboy who cared nothing but dancing later on becomes a successful prosecutor. He has romantic feelings towards Seo since the first time they meet, but misses the opportunity when Seo works in Seoul and marries a camera man from TV station. He later become a great help to Seo. Jang Tae San (Cha In Pyo) is a successful politician with a prosecutor background, with all the right elements to be the man in power. He helped Seo to step into politics, but later will be a rival to her. Jang Se Jin(Lee Soo Kyung) has a secret agenda, she looks for the man who abandoned her mother and her. Jang seems to be impressed by her beauty, we will see how this develops later on.
The story is invigorating and controversial like what they say. It reached top position of rating on the second night beating Rain’s The Fugitive. How different is it to have a female president than a male? I think it is not about the gender, but how a leader should be.
I am having so much fun watching Playful Kiss, how about you? Here is a NG clip with English sub, enjoy!
Watch the section starts at 1:20, so funny!!!:) You guys are adorable!
Dr. Champ aired its first episode on 27th of September on SBS. Unlike any of the dramas we have seen recently, it is as real as it can get to our everyday lives therefore stands out from the crowd like a fresh breeze that is refreshing and pleasant. The drama has given time to introduce each character during the first 2 episodes which I really enjoyed watching. Each role has a story behind them, the authenticity in them brings us closer to their world.
Finally there is an article on Joo Won who played Goo Ma Joon from King of Baking, I have been searching high and low and ta-da…10asia has done it again!
Freshly posted today and hope you get to know him a bit more! A gentle soul with passion for his career in acting.
My name is Joo Won. My given name is Moon Joon-won. My father came up the name Joo Won for me after I made it into college. It means ‘what the Lord wants and what I should do for the Lord.’
I was born in Seoul on September 30, 1987 but I currently reside in Yong-in.
My family is composed of my parents and my brother who is five years older than me. My brother and I are the type of siblings that if we don’t talk outside of the house you wouldn’t think we were related. One can say that my brother is a ‘real man’ because he is well-built and has a tough personality, whereas I am thinner and the soft type.
I suddenly grew tall when I was in eighth grade. Up until then I was always second or third shortest in my entire class but during vacation I grew 20 centimeters. I used to sit way up front in the classroom but moved to the back and even though my friends changed [their personalities] I was always introverted until I began theater. (laugh) Right now I am 185 centimeters tall and weigh 67 kilograms.
I take after my father personality-wise and look like my mother appearance-wise. My mother is quite the beauty. She even tried out for a talent search during her younger years and I heard that out of the three examinations she made it through the first two.
I am currently enrolled in the School of Art for acting in theatre, film and television at the Sungkyunkwan University. I really enjoyed acting when I first started college but I enjoy forming relationships more. That is why I went to the set whenever one of my seniors had a production and I helped with the lights and making the set. I liked how more and more people looked for me.
There are several scenes in KBS’ “Bread, Love and Dreams” where I get slapped and actress Eugene hits really well. What I mean is that even though I got slapped by her it didn’t hurt. I was okay after getting slapped in the face but she felt really bad afterwards. However, it hurts even though actor Yoon Si-yoon doesn’t hit you. (laugh) While we were rehearsing, Yoon Si-yoon was so immersed in his acting that he wasn’t able to distribute his strength when he grabbed me by the collar bone and I got this bluish bruise on my chest. When actor Park Sung-woong saw the marks, he told me that Yoon Si-yoon gave him a bruise as well. (laugh)
Honestly, I think I am gifted in baking. (laugh) I had so much fun learning how to bake and I continued to do so on the set. The staff members told me that I should open my own bakery. I received rave reviews for the bread that I made for the people at my agency. I have the most confidence in baking red-bean bread and peanut topped bread.
The worst thing that has happened at a performance was during “Grease.” I was supposed to appear on stage looking cool while playing the guitar on the second floor but I was in hurry and I slipped and slammed both my shins on the steps. I was in so much pain that tears ran down my face but I kept smiling and just sang.
I really wanted to make my character Melchior in the music “Spring Awakening” look like a child. I also look younger than Kim Moo-yeol who is older than me. I thought that I should try to make him look like an innocent middle school student because I gained some weight at the time. In the crying scenes I cried like a child who lost 100 things rather than just three.
I made an appearance on Mnet’s “Superstar K” last year. I saw the footage for the first time after they [cast of the show] came to our set for the musical mission. I even questioned myself saying “Who is that?” because I was a bit chunky back then and I laughed to myself reading the comments like “Who are you? I came to see Goo Ma-joon.” The song that I sing the most whenever I go karaoke is Sung Si-kyung’s “Two People.” I like ballads and I like the tunes “On the Street” and Yoon Jong-shin’s “Reincarnation.” Once I sang the song “Look at Me, Gwisoon” while at a musical event. I prepared a different song during the rehearsal but the other actors didn’t want me to ruin the atmosphere so I changed it an hour before the event. It was fun, even though I had to memorize the lyrics in a hurry.
I began to hear that I looked a lot like actor Kang Dong-won after making my debut. I was quite surprised to hear that I resembled such a handsome actor and it’s great to know that I have similar qualities to someone else. (laugh) From now on I hope to add onto those qualities and show more of myself.
I want to become a humanitarian with whatever job I take on. My mother always told me that I should be someone who has a lot of affection and is humane regardless of the job or position that I’m in.
I recently took part in a recording for KBS variety show “Happy Together 3.” I worked really hard on the show because I thought I would come off as someone who is boring since everyone on the show is so funny. My hidden talent? I didn’t particularly have one but I did everything that they wanted like singing or reciting lines. I feel that being on entertainment programs are really hard. I think the show will air on September 30 on my birthday.
Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun five@
Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@, Jang Kyung-Jin three@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
While we wait for the next episode to air, here are some clips from their release promotions where we get to see the casts behind the scenes. Enjoy!
credit: Youtube channel mickytoho2
credit: Youtube channel crazykaiyi
credit: Youtube channel crazykaiyi
Playful Kiss/Naughty Kiss/Mischievous Kiss, what do you think of it? For me? I like it! I have watched the first 4 episodes twice, the more I watch it the more I am drawn to it, I find it charming, familiar and pleasant. First, let us take a look at the story.
Most of us are very familiar with the story, it is based on a Japanese Manhwa Itazura na Kiss. Our heroine Oh Ha Ni by Jung So Min is a highschool school girl who has a 3 years crash on the smartest student in school Baek Seung Jo by Kim Hyun Joong. Of course Seung Jo does not think too much of Ha Ni at the beginning. You can call this fate, Ha Ni moves into Seung Jo’s home with her dad after their house collapsed. Seung Jo grows to like Ha Ni for her clumsiness but with an innocent heart, eventually they married each other. Not sure if this version will also extend to the after marriage part, I sure hope we get to see that unlike Goong which ended at the wedding and part 2 never happened, 🙂
One of the reasons I am drawn to the show is because of Kim Hyun Joong. I have to say his acting has improved since Boys before flowers. I am quite impressed by the Seung Jo he is trying to portray, not that cold and ignorant. A rather warm character who actually cares about Ha Ni quite early on, that actually draws me to him. I actually smiled a lot when I watch Seung Jo and Ha Ni together, there are some very pleasant moments that I would like you to watch and enjoy!
Many Goong fans like myself would have picked up some similarities here and there. The teddy bear at the ending scenes surely reminds us a lot of that. The light beat music as background is also very similar. It is actually somehow familiar and nostalgic to me.
I mentioned earlier on that I watched the first 4 episodes twice, really glad I did! It helped me to get into the rhythm. If you decide to watch this drama, do watch it as a complete piece without comparing to any other version. Then you will enjoy and appreciate Playful Kiss much more!
What happened to the highly anticipated drama – Naughty / Playful kiss? It started with below 4% rating for its first 2 episodes airing this week. But rating is not always the true reflection, Kiss is up against a very strong and consistent performing drama, Bread, Love and Dream and the re-tell of Gumiho myth with strong writers of the Hong sisters (who also made big successes out of My Girl and You’re beautiful). When you watch the 3 dramas airing together, you will find Naughty Kiss is a bit light weighted.
This is the heavyweight champion. This week, it has again kept its viewers engaged with the story. We saw a turning point when Tak Goo agreed to work as the deputy president of Goo’s bread company. That got me excited, as we know Tak Goo can make bread and is naturally talented, but how will he work as an executive. I am sure for those who watched the recent last 2 episodes, you must have been through the ups and downs with Tak Goo. Then the story developed an other focus, Ma Joon and Yoo Kyung were about to get married. We sort of sensed Yoo Kyung still had feelings for Tak Koo, how will the story move now?
This show has sure not disappointed us as it moves quickly and you never know what will happen the next minute although you kind of know where it is going, or actually no idea at all.
The show continues with the Hong sisters strong writing, we are attracted to this innocent Gumiho and touched by the chemistry between the main leads. I have to say, now it has reached its mid-point I believe Lee Seung Ki has done a great job playing Tae Woong. It may be Gumiho by Shi Min Ah who got my attention at first but now it is the Tae Woong by Lee Seung Ki who touches me. Very sweet week for the two main leads and also the story developed quickly as they both started to think about each other seriously.
Unlike the two dramas above, that we have no clue about the story. This drama is based on a well-known Japanese manhwa and was also made into a popular Taiwanese version – It started with a Kiss. So the story is out in the open, we look for the chemistry between the casts and production crew to make this show more interesting. (I will have a separate post to talk about this show in detail at a later stage when it develops a bit more.)
For now it certainly appears to be a bit slow comparing with the other two dramas airing on the same days who are more dramatic and tightly paced. I certainly like some parts of this drama and definitely will follow it a bit longer. I hope Kiss will pleasantly surprise us!
What to watch next? I am certainly following all the three but with priorities. Are you watching any of these?
So, I have just finished the first two episodes of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Mixed feelings here, I do see traces of manhwa moments from time to time that are kind of like broken pieces when a story is told. Having said this, I do like the drama for its overall story which I definitely find interesting and wanting to find out more.
Many of you may already know that this drama is based on a novel set in Joseon era, about Kim Yoon Hee disguised herself as a boy to attend one of the most privilege school in the country. There she meets 3 boys and we will see the story develop as they live together.
Kim Yoon Hee (played by Park Min Young), she is not just pretty but also intelligent. Her knowledge tops many scholars out there, however her family became poor after the father passed away. In order to support her sick brother and family, she disguises as a man to work at a bookstore and plans to work as a substitute for students in exams. By coincidence, she passed exams however is also pointed by the King to enter Sungkyunkwan to study.
Lee Sun Joon (played by Micky Yoochun) is like Goo Joon Pyo from Boys before flowers but less the attitude. The only son from the richest and most powerful family that era, tall and handsome. However himself is very humble and treats servants well. He enters the college with a purpose to do something for his country. He later on will fall for Kim Yoon Hee, but finds it confusing as she is a “man”.
Goo Yong Ha (played by Song Joong Ki) is a playful character, you can use beautiful to describe him. He is tasteful but not over the top, he loves wine, women and having fun. He knows Kim Yoon Hee is a girl from day one, but keeps this secret as he finds it entertaining to watch her living as a man. At this stage we don’t know if he will also develop feelings for Yoon Hee, I certainly keep my hopes high!
Lastly, Moon Jae Shin (played by Yoo Ah In) who appears as a rough guy but will end up sharing the same room with Kim Yoon Hee and Lee Sun Joon on campus. He later will develop feelings for Yoon Hee as well.
The story is becoming more interesting after I get to understand each character. I will stay on with this drama, let me know if you are watching it as well!
Here is a clip where you will hear the main leads talk about their own roles and characters in My Girlfriend is Gumiho.
Hoyi Hoyi! I am loving this show, how about you?
My girlfriend is Gumiho aired on 11th of August with Lee Seung Ki and Shin Min Ah as its leads. It started well by drawing a good percentage of viewers with its witty, cute and unconventional approach to the story of a 500 hundred years old fox with nine tails trying to be human in a modern world.
The 1st episode was a bit slow for me but the 2nd episode definitely picked up the speed and I was engaged through out. Lee Seung Ki plays Cha Tae Woong, a college student who sees himself as the next big Kung Fu movie star just waiting for his big break. Shin Min Ah is the Gumiho, this cute and honest creature in human form. Unlike how it is said in myth that Gumiho eats human, this Gumiho has a kind heart and loves beef! Hahahaha!
Fate brought them together whether they like it or not. I am not sure how the story will develop, but for now I can’t wait to watch the next episode!
How about you? Will you give it a try?
Here is a video featured on KBSworld with behind the scene interviews on this popular show – Love, Bread and Dreams (a.k.a Kim Tak Goo, King of baking). You can see how popular this show is!
I wrote Pt 1 of this show couple of days ago, yet I just feel there are so much more that I still have not mentioned yet. I have decided to write a Part 2 for this drama.
This show has reached rating of 44.4% last week in Korea. A great achievement and it is not difficult to understand why. Last week at the end of episode 18 we witnessed the long waited re-union between Kim Tak Koo and his father Goo In Jung, as touching as it can be, it also shoots the viewing rating through the roof.
There are still a lot more to anticipate in the remaining 12 episodes, the reunion between Tak Koo and his mother after 14 years of search, how the character Eugene portrays to shift from innocently in love with Tak Koo to an ambitious woman who uses Goo Ma Joon to fulfil her desire, the most exciting part to see Tak Koo finally be crowned as the King of Baking!
This drama has so many angles yet each fits into the story very well, the viewers are inspired and encouraged by watching Tak Koo endures through all hardship yet still able maintain his talents and innocence.
Besides the tightly knitted story plot, we also see a group of very experienced actors with some fresh faces being featured in this drama. The chemistry between them has made it so interesting to watch. One moment we see the young actors trying hard to express their emotions and the other moment we are moved by skills of the seasoned actors. We are delighted seeing them intertwine and support each other in playing out the characters.
Do catch this show if you have not yet done so, there are about 6 weeks left till it ends.
I will run a few posts on the actors of this show, do check back later for more!
What is all the hype about this drama? Its rating has been at high 30s in Korea for weeks and there is no sign of slowing down (normal drama rating would be in 10s, so this is a very good result). I finally took my time to look at it closely.
This drama has its complexities, maybe this is why over 30% of Koreans are watching it for. It begins with a woman who cannot bear a bread tycoon Goo In Jung a son, the only way they can have a son is she with other men or Goo In Jung with other women. Then two boys were born, Kim Tak Goo and Goo Ma Joon. Tak Goo was by Goo himself with their family nurse and Ma Joon was by the wife with Goo’s most trusted man of course without his knowledge of this. Complex enough for you? This is just the beginning of it all, do expect to see other layers of the story unfold as you follow the drama.
The search for bread, love and dream begins for our main character Kim Tak Goo played by Yoon Shi Yoon who maybe a big reason to watch the show. The interaction between his ‘half’ brother Goo Ma Joon played by Joo Won is also clearly the highlight of this drama.
I shall say this show will definitely keep you interested and wanting to watch more.
I am back, after a long break and it is about time that I update on the latest from drama scenes around the world. To me, it is still Korean at the moment.
I am legend was aired on Monday this week. I have seen the first episode, it introduced all the main characters and have left plenty of room for the story to develop. That is what I call a strong start!
Kim Jung Eun plays its main heroine who married a top lawyer who comes from an elite family of the society. It may seem glamorous from the outside, but Kim lives a lonely and husband-less life that only herself knows too well. Her way of escape is to sing it out, she and her friends formed a rock and roll band. They sure are not the best singers out there, but it is their passion for music and pursuing of their dreams that the show is trying to focus on. The first episode ends with a strong note where Kim is demanding for a divorce, wow that is interesting!
I am attracted to this drama, not my usual kind of show. However I love to see a woman like Kim taking on courage to live a life full of grace and strength. I want to see how she makes it out on her own, and how she overcomes the odds to be herself. On the other hand I am worried if this story will be too much of a cliché where she becomes strong however the ex-husband is all of a sudden falling for her again, then we have a love triangle that throws everyone into a deep twirl leaving the viewers losing interest over time. Let us hope for the best and do check in later for more!
thedramascenes.com 