Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Waiting for season 2!

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

My journey with this drama started with the OST- For You by EXO-CBX. I am a big fan of EXO’s drama OSTs, they always do a great job. Their soundtracks are heartfelt, clean, gut-wrenching, and emotionally vocal. But can I just say I fell entirely for this one? So much so I decided to watch the series, without knowing about the cast, the plot. Just based on a single OST. Call it blind love but it made me wonder. It never happened before. Sure, actors, songs can attract me to a drama but before preceding, I will always get my nails into the plot. There was so much going on in this one OST that I decided to find out, maybe I am into love-triangles/pentagon or whatever this one was (Certainly twisted).

The story is about a 25-year-old girl Go Ha Jin who saves a young boy from drowning and is transported to the Goryeo era as Hae Soo. Goryeo is under the rule of Tajeo whose children, the princes, Hae Soo befriends quickly. She slowly starts to develop feelings for the 8th Prince Wang Wook followed by the 4th prince Wang So.

Can I start off with the trademark scene? When she drowns and the eclipse of the sun takes us to Goryeo, to Wang So. The concept is great and the transition is executed well. It defines the title ‘Moon Lovers’. However, I am still not sure of the meaning behind the entire title, I tried to search everywhere but nowhere was it literally defined so I came up with my own. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, So you get Moon Lovers from the turning of eclipse or the fact they are destined, you get Scarlet Heart either because it derived from the Chinese drama of same name or novel but I guess the meaning was a love story covered with blood and you get Ryeo from Goryeo Dynasty. (Your welcome!)Spoiler Alert!There is so much I liked about this drama and so much that I didn’t. I am still confused about how I feel about the drama overall. I regret watching it? Yes! Would I regret it if I hadn’t watched it? Definitely Yes! By now I have watched this drama at least 3-4 times which is rare for me. And what’s surprising is every time it left me feeling desolate. Coming to the things I don’t like about the drama first. I failed to understand Queen Yoo’s hatred towards Wang So until the end. Initially, he felt a disgrace to her because of his title ‘Wolf dog’ and his deeds but I felt she could have patched up on her deathbed. I felt sorry for the way Wang So was treated by everyone except Ji Mong, Crown Prince Moo, Baek-ah, and Hae Soo. His mother is a big reason why he turned out that way. There were too many innocent lives that were run down because of power play. Court Lady Oh Soo-yeon’s death was the most heartbreaking. I simply could not understand the marriage arrangement between Wang So and King Moo’s daughter, he should have prevented it, it was way too awkward. (Although that gets resolved towards the end). Prince Wang Eun and his wife’s death was unjust and uncalled for. The drama slowly transcends into a tragic one, we see characters and their principles change, we see betrayal and bloodshed. I feel only Hae Soo’s, Lady Hae, Prince Eun, and Court Lady Oh Soo-yeon stayed true to their character.

Although others were scared of Wang So, I could clearly see a vulnerable boy simply hiding his pain and looking for genuine love and acceptance from his family. Post the rain ritual and removal of his mask, he seemed to showcase an evil side, a hunger for the throne. This, ironically, made me fear him more than when he wore a mask.

I could see Wang So’s constant tussle to hold onto his past self of principles who deeply loves his family and his present self who wanted to rise to the throne at any cost. Eventually, we all know what conquers. He struggled to hold onto Hae Soo and it is one of the reasons he wanted to become the King. I struggled with him too. What broke my heart was when he accepted in front of Hae Soo that he wanted both the throne and her. It made us realize that she was no longer enough. However, Wang So and Wang Eun were the only ones honest with her.

Hae Soo, too, struggles to control the history and her wavering heart torn between Wang So and Wang Wook. Something I really like about this drama is Hae Soo’s character. She is naive but fierce. Even though she was captured by the. Since For You is my favorite soundtrack I wish it featured more in the series and not just towards the end/ preview. I like how each person ends up paying for their deeds in some way and things come to a circle. The way Prince Jung stuck to his words, took care of Hae Soo until the end without forcing his love was admirable and something I had actually hoped from Wang So.

I like how the scenes have been romantically drafted with a touch of historical vibe. The horse scene at the beginning of episode 2 is one of my favorites. It is executed well and Lee Joon-gi’s gaze is to kill.

To be honest all interactions between Hae Soo and Wang So until episode 9 are innocent and sincere. An all-time favorite scene that actually gave me goosebumps has to be when Prince Wang So protected Hae Soo against all odds. This moment was defining.

The chemistry between Lee Joong-gi and IU is unbelievable but that is more so because they are Wang So and Hae Soo, if you know what I mean. I feel there is a character made for every actor out there, and that is something the world will always know them for, no matter how many new characters they pick up. Wang So is one such character for Lee Joong-gi, I cannot imagine any other actor doing this role and I will always see him as Wang So. The cast is strong but the chemistry of the lead takes it on another level. The feeling of unrequited love, yearning, and longing is spread out throughout the drama (in the end everyone is left wanting and wishing for something) leaving us even more palpable.

If we have to discuss the soundtrack, can I just say Moon Lovers has one of the best soundtracks in the Kdrama world? Almost all the songs are my favorite. For You, Say Yes by Loco and Punch, Can You Hear My Heart by Epik High (ft Lee Hi), All With You by Taeyeon, My Love by Lee Hi, I Remember You by I.O.I, Be With You by AKMU, and many more. All songs are pretty great and catchy. Even if they are modern songs imposed on an old era, they still fit the central theme of love. I also love the background tracks such as Wing of Goryeo and Gesture of Resistance that fit the political backdrop and old era vibe. The music is soulful and so meaningful to the story, it’s heartening. The soundtrack will be forever etched in my heart as one of the best.

This drama was one of the very few that made me feel all sorts of emotions. I was excited, I was sad, I was happy, I cried a bit, I was so nervous to know what happened next especially in the last few episodes. I had my hands in my hair trying to figure the twisted plot and ending. I never felt like this before. I was heartbroken, I was regretting the decision to watch it with all my might because I thought I would never be the same again. At the same time, I desperately hoped for next season. And it wasn’t like a very outstanding drama, to be honest. Nothing like the best ever, but it made me feel all these emotions like never before. I believe if a drama can do that then it surely is a good one as they succeeded in what they set out to do.

This drama was my first historical ever, and it has changed my perception of historical dramas. I can’t say that I will watch all but dramas like Scarlet Heart would definitely make it to my list. All I can say is you will regret watching this one but regret even more if you haven’t.

IU had posted on her Instagram a few deleted seconds from the ending scene where we can see a man giving a handkerchief to Go Ha Jin. We, all Moon Lover fans, desperately hope it was a reincarnation of Wang So and that forms the beginning of season 2. What made us more hopeful for a second season was its adaption, the Chinese drama named ’Scarlet heart’, had one too. Lee Joon Gi, we are still holding onto your hint of season 2. (Four years have passed! Where is it?)

IU had posted on her Instagram a few deleted seconds from the ending scene where we can see a man giving a handkerchief to Go Ha-jin. We, all Moon Lover fans, desperately hope it was a reincarnation of Wang So and that forms the beginning of season 2. What made us more hopeful for a second season was its adaption, the Chinese drama named ’Scarlet heart’, had one too. Lee Joon-gi, we are still holding onto your hint of season 2. (Four years have passed! Where is it?)

Why watch it?

If you are a fan of any of the cast members, IU, Lee Joon-gi , Nam Joo-hyuk, Kang Ha-neul, Baekhyun, Ji-soo or any other
If you like historical dramas
If you are into romantic Kdramas
If you like dark dramas with grey characters
If you like the drama it’s adapted from
Amazing storyline and ensemble cast
Great OST

Click here to watch with English subtitles

Comment down below if you liked this review and also tell me which drama I should review next.

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KDrama Review| Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

May 16, 2020May 18, 2020 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

What happens when a “peanut size” (his words, not mine) woman with super strength tries to save the world? You get a historic drama that challenges the conventional roles.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is one such drama. Now, there are many woman empowering series or dramas with strong woman characters. However, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is a little different and here’s why.

In a country like South Korea that has developed so much in no time, gender roles are still much traditional. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon features a woman character physically stronger than her male counterparts. Where most woman are projected as a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued, this one comes as a change of air where the male leads standby and watch things unfold (not always but that’s a start).

The story is about Bong-Soon who was born with superhuman like strength. Her strength is hereditary and passed along only to the women in her family. She dreams of creating a video game with herself as the main character. Along with the CEO of her company and her old friend, she uncovers a series of woman being kidnapped in her neighbourhood.

Coming to the characters, Do Bong Soon has literally become one of my all time favourite characters. She know her priorities straight. Maybe it’s because of her strength that she takes on things and beats up guys without batting an eye. But it’s because she is Bong Soon she never gives up, even when the world calls out her worth and intelligence. Bong Soon stands up against the wrong, stand by her friends, protects her loved ones but also exposes her vulnerable side from time to time. Such a strong character placed inside a tiny woman makes it all the more charming.

An Minhyuk- this guy is a dream. Everything about him is lovable, his righteousness, his fun suave office behaviour, his passionate love, and even his anger and concern for Bong Soon. This drama was definitely the most cutest one, I couldn’t stop smiling whenever I would witness Min Hyuk swooning over Bong Soon. It made me feel all the butterflies in my stomach. Park Hyung Sik admitted to having a crush on Park Bo Young and it so evident in the drama. He wants her to take the main frame and be the main character. What I loved the most is that there are instances where he wants to ‘be the man’ and protect Bong Soon but there are also instances where he ‘man’s up’ and realises her strength. He respects her family, her decisions, her space, and the fact that she is special. Infact, it is her abilities and her good heart that makes him fall deeper for her. (What a guy! Do they manufacture them anymore?)

Gook Doo’s character tries to keep a balance between progressive actions and regressive thoughts. A macho man with a lot of pride. Initially, cold with his love interest and later somewhat a Tsundere. He tries to protect Bong Soon like a fragile leaf who possibly can’t take care of herself. His views on her being a ‘tiny little woman’ don’t falter much even after finding out about her strength. His character provides all the conventional elements in the drama. I love the fact that he did not get hung up on his girlfriend seeing someone else considering he had feelings for someone too. And is actually cool about crossing paths with his ex and even protecting her. We find his true strength in setting aside his feelings for Bong Soon and maintaining his friendship with her.

The whole Bong Soon family, Secretary Gong, Head of planning department Oh Dol-ppyeo and Baek Tak gang were great additions to the drama. They complemented the drama well. In fact, the whole cast did great acting.

Now, I also want to talk about something interesting here. This series is one of the few where the guy or his pride isn’t hurt in acknowledging that his woman is stronger than him and can protect him better than himself. Not only does he acknowledge it, he embraces it!

Korea still isn’t entirely open on the idea of LGBT but the show has given full blown screen time to bromance between ‘Gook Doo’ and ‘Min Hyuk’. Not only this, they also featured a gay character and his interaction with the rest of characters is both fun and interesting.

The series doesn’t pit woman against each other. Well, not really!

Image Credit: jediprincess.wordpress.com

I love how Bong Soon’s parents take care of Kyung Shim like she is their own kid, and the lengths Do Bong Soon goes to just to save her friend. She even backs of and subdues her feelings for Gook Doo, because he has a woman. This line of plot had a great message, that it isn’t impossible to get over someone you thought you never could. If you actually shift your eyes around a better door will open.

Another important message is via Bong Soon’s will to help out the weak and abused with her power. She makes a faithful following out of the drop out kids who leave their ganster like antics. They actually start cleaning up the neighborhood and try to protect Bong Soon even from Min Hyuk. (How cute!)

There’s hardly anything that I don’t like. Maybe (just maybe!) the Bak Tae story development could have reduced screen time especially around the whole turning into a monk thing. But I loved that nevertheless, it was funny.

The soundtrack is amazing and so in-sync with the story. Be it the cute song Heartbeat, the beautifully mellow You are my Garden or the fun and upbeat Double Trouble Couple and Pit-a-Pat I love them all. Most of the main tracks are sung from a woman’s perspective which is understandable. Super Power Girl should be declared a girl’s anthem!

The wedding scene was so good and deserves a special mention. You can easily see how Park Hyung Sik is actually swooning over Park Bo Young.

I loved the fact that they end up with two girls, who have Bong Soon’s super strength. (Ah! Poor Min Hyuk!)

Not only would I say, get a guy like Ahn Hye Min who looks at you and treats you the way he treats Do Bong Song. I would also say get a girl like Do Bong Song who would love you with all her heart and protect you from any danger. (Don’t mind the tiny injuries)

All in all, it was an amazing one-of-a-kind drama that I have actively watched more than once or twice. (And that doesn’t happen often!)

Why watch it?

If you are a Park Bo Young, Park Hyung Sik or Kim Jisoo fan
If you like woman centric Kdramas
If you are into rom-coms
If you are into action and thriller
Amazing storyline and ensemble cast
Great OST
If you like ageyo, cute couple type dramas

To watch with English subtitles, click here.

Comment down below if this review was helpful and your views on the drama. Also suggest dramas that I should view and review next.

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What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?|Kdrama Review

May 2, 2020May 16, 2020 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

This review contains spoilers!
What happens when a near-perfect secretary to narcissistic boss suddenly resigns after 9 years? The boss embarks on a journey to know why and you get ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?’

*Characters left to right: Jung Chi-in, Intern, Sul Ma-eum, Bong Se-ra, Lee Young-joon, Kim Mi-so, Go Gwi-nam, Kim Ji-a, Park Yoo-sik, Yang Cheol*
Image Credit: Soompi

When you spend almost all day, every day with a person for 9 years they become a part of you like an arm that if detached would make life void but it’s presence isn’t something we celebrate or appreciate. This is what exactly happened with Lee Yong-joon.
The story is about Vice Chairman of a major corporation, a man of perfection, Lee Young-joon, and his highly capable secretary, Kim Mi-so. Secretary Kim informs that she wants to resign after 9 years. She wishes to leave without providing any reason which bothers the Vice Chairman. The journey of the drama is about Lee Young-joon understanding what’s wrong with Secretary Kim and why she wants to leave. In the process, he realises that his will to not let her go is actually is his love. A love, that he has held onto for years.

Talking about the characters, Lee Young-joon is so confident of himself even with dark past, it is almost admirable and borderline annoying. His repeated self praises actually make you believe he is truly great. This doesn’t mean he is completely oblivious to his surroundings. He is wary of things, you do see a sincere and serious side to him when he is with Mi-so or his family. I love how he has held onto his promise to Mi-so he made when they were just kids. And how he was always looking out for her by trying to keep her at his side. His cold outlook and seemingly mean ways combined with a soft heart. I love a drama where a woman brings positive changes to man and his character.

I love Kim Mi-so’s character. She is so resilient, dedicated but at the same time self righteous too. Even though she was the youngest, Mi-so worked relentlessly to ease her family’s financial situation. She doesn’t demand the larger things in life and love how she even turned her in-laws down for the same and was adamant on doing the wedding her way.
The rest of the office cast is a great addition too. They bring their own eccentricities.

What I like about the drama is that there are no villians, no guns pulled out to move the drama. Simple everyday office life is the backdrop. A problem I encounter with almost every office romance drama is it’s stark contrast to reality. The guy is usually the heir or CEO, and falls in love with one of his employee, it’s all romance and play, no work. In reality, office romance is very hard to maintain amid the deadlines and piles of paperwork. With this drama, however, you could see people even the chairman succumbing to the work pressure at some point and relationships taking a back seat for very brief. The drama also had some scenes which are considered bold for Kdrama world bringing a new air.
The series went in a breeze format. I began liking the drama within the first episode itself which doesn’t happen very often so points for that. His past was the only serious angle to the drama and probably the only thing making it stand apart from other office romance.

There were some fun elements to the drama such as ‘Young-joon’s Aura’, his narcissistic behaviour and how Mi-so complimented it. When Mi-so accidently chokes people because of her habit of fixing neck ties. I absolutely loved Kang Ki Young’s character, it was my favourite in the drama. I wished he had more screen time.

There are a few things I learned from this drama that were good takeaways. A new way to eat rameyeon; the cute, simple but thoughtful bottle proposal.

There are some things I did not like about the drama. Kim Mi-so’s family setting felt a bit off considering how she turned up and how different she is from rest of the members. (But again, who are we to judge?) I do like the hint of body positivity provided through her family and how they aren’t afraid of being themselves. The characters in general had a typicality which made them a bit predictable. Although there was chemistry, I could always feel that boss-secretary relation just idly being there. It wasn’t very ‘oh, now we are a couple’ kinda thing although they did try. There was always this restriction I felt from both ends. It felt like they were both holding back even when all was good.

Was it a good comedy drama? Yes, definitely! I laughed a lot. Was it ‘the best drama’ I ever watched? No. I felt the story line wasn’t very different from what is offered in market in name of office romance. But yes in terms of characters coming together to create comedy it was good. I felt it was a bit overhyped with the ratings. There are better dramas I have watched in terms of plotlines. However, I still enjoyed watching it.

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How Are U Bread: Kdrama Review|The Drama Bone

April 3, 2020May 6, 2020 ~ dramaindna

I read some amazing reviews about this one and it was recently trending in Kdrama-world. I developed high hopes from this drama. I am no baker or even a cook but I love breads, cakes, pies and desserts. I love the aroma from a bakery, the set up and designs, the whole idea of owning a bakery or cafe. Having a drama based exclusively on baking, I thought I would really enjoy it. Since it was just 5 episodes web series, I was drawn in the greed of finishing it quickly.

A genius patissier, with talent far beyond his years, Han Do Woo is a chef unparalleled in the world of pastries. The master chef of his own bakery, it’s often been said that if one is lucky enough to enjoy one of Do Woo’s pastries, one’s own wishes are sure to come true. With such rumors floating around, it doesn’t take long for Do Woo’s mysterious bakery to become the talk of the town. As the buzz around Do Woo and his bakery grows, it’s only a matter of time before he catches the media’s eye. A writer for the hit baking show, “Top 3 Bakery Kings”, Noh Mi Rae, is determined to get Do Woo to join the cast. There’s just one problem, Do Woo wants nothing to do with her or her show. With her job on the line, Mi Rae tries anything and everything to get Do Woo to make an appearance on her show. Infiltrating the bakery, Mi Rae’s desperation leads her down an unexpected path as her attempts to woo Do Woo slowly begin to cause her own heart to flutter. Could all this time spent with the mysterious patissier eventually lead to love?
Source: Viki

I was intrigued by the title itself which I kept misreading as ‘how bread are u’ (maybe in a parallel universe I created this one). The uniqueness certainly attracted me to know what’s it about. I love ‘love stories’ and watching ‘mukbangs’ is something I feed on. A drama that is a combination of two would is nothing short of nirvana for people like me.

I have to admit I absolutely loved the titled and how the meaning behind was explained explicitly. It had all- depth, beauty and significance.

A span of around 250 minutes or 4 hours to finish the series would not leave much time for flashbacks or story development. I initially thought this was a plus point as some Kdramas can take too much time in building characters or their past. Cut right through the chase and land directly on the issue. However, as drama progressed forward I felt the rush. I thought some elements were spiralled out of nowhere. For example- the whole pendulum felt weird and uncalled for. The way it was filmed and written did everything but help. It took way the realism of the story. What seemed as a plus point (short duration of the drama) turned into a stinging one.

Note: The character with pendulum was played by Moon Ji Yoon, who recently passed away due to blood poisoning. It was his last drama. I have nothing against the actor and have admired his acting in dramas like 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo'. I even liked his comical role here, but I did not like the way it was written. May he rest in peace.

Another thing I like about the drama is a hint of role reversal. Here, the guy is the sacrificial one, staying away from the girl to not hurt her. Whereas the girl tries to confront her feelings and conquer her love. I would have honestly liked if the plot stuck to it’s original and literal meaning, and was a simple love story with baking at its centre.

The being said, the baking competition segment was fairly interesting. It had layers of meaning that provided the drama with much needed depth.

The characters did not have a lot of time to prove themselves, I understand that. However, I felt the acting couldn’t invoke a lot of emotions for me. All the smiles, smirks and butterflies I feel while watching a kdrama, I missed that. Although, there was chemistry between the leads, it wasn’t explored or exploited on. Suho is a great Kpop Idol, it was my first watching him in a drama ever, so I have nothing to draw my comparisons to. Yet, I believe his emotions got lost somewhere before they could come on the screen.

I really liked the OST ‘The Second Farewell‘. It is poignant. The OST sung by Suho ‘Sedansugo‘ is pretty good too. It has a happy vibe and you should definitely listen if you are Suho or Exo fan.

Even with a bitter-sweet ending filled with hope, the drama had some loose ends. It could have finished smoother by closing some of the loops. The drama was filmed four years ago so I cannot comment how it would have turned out if it was filmed with actors now in their mature age. I can also not comment how it would have been perceived by the audience if it was released 4 years ago.

Overall, I would say yes it was worth to watch the drama for it’s creative concept. But I probably would not pick it up again. I would recommend watching it if you hold romance in one hand and food in other.

Why watch it?

For its concept and creativity
If you like short web series you can quickly finish
If you like watching mukbangs/romance rolled into a drama
If you are an Exo-l/Suho fan
If you are a Lee Se Young fan
If you like baking, cakes and pastry

To watch (with English subtitles), go to Viki

Comment down below if this review was helpful and your views on the drama. Also suggest dramas that I should view and review next.

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