Welcome to Kdrama and Ramen

Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Korean dramas and indulge in the delicious flavors of ramen. Here, you’ll find in-depth reviews, unspoiled recommendations, and all the latest updates on your favorite Kdramas. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the best that Kdramas and ramen have to offer. Let’s dive in!

Love & Learning in Hagwon 7/31/24

Love & Learning in Hagwon 7/31/24

The Midnight Romance in Hagwon: A Deep Dive Review

Get a full analysis of plot, characters, and highlights for the Korean drama ‘The Midnight Romance in Hagwon’.  If you haven’t watched this drama yet and are looking for a spoiler-free look at the series, please click the link below.

Love and Learning in Hagwon 7/31/24

Spoiler Alert

Proceed with Caution!

This review contains major spoilers for the Korean drama ‘The Midnight Romance in Hagwon’. If you haven’t watched the series yet, we recommend you do so before reading further. You’ve been warned!

General Information

Air Date: May 11  – June 30, 2024

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Romantic Drama

Starring: Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon

 

Plot Overview

'The Midnight Romance in Hagwon': A Love Story About Overcoming Stigmas and Social Judgement

An influential cram school academy teacher is reunited with her first student when he comes to teach alongside her.  And as they work together, their close bond deepens.  But when the instructor becomes the target of a ruthless rival, they will face judgment and opposition from co-workers and parents that may threaten the very existence of the school she has worked so hard to build. Now they will have to tread carefully as they try to find a way to protect all the things they love the most to them, including each other.  

“The direction of public education is the guidance of teachers.”

Meet the leads

Jung Ryeo Won as Seo Hye Jin

Love & Learning in Hagwon 7/31/24

Seo Hye Jin was barely out of school herself when she took a job as a tutor.  Lee Jun Ho was her first private student, and his success climbing the ranks at his school helped her make a name for herself as a teacher who got results.  When Jun Ho  takes a job at Daechi Chase Academy, she decides to help him become the best possible teacher.  And their time together brings them closer together in a new relationship, not as student/teacher but as man/woman.  But when their relationship becomes public information, she faces an end to her long, successful career.

 

Seo Hye Jin may be older than Jun Ho but she has spent her whole adult life focused only on her job.  She is hardworking and goes the extra mile for her student’s success.  I liked Seo Hye Jin in this role.  The character has a touch of innocence beneath her cool exterior that I felt she expressed well.

Wi Ha Joon as Lee Jun Ho

Love & Learning in Hagwon 7/31/24

Lee Jun Ho was in the 10th grade when he met Hye Jin. But his beautiful young tutor taught him to enjoy learning.  She also taught him about first love.  Now, as an adult with a solid job in a big company, Jun Ho decides to return to his roots by teaching at Daechi Chase academy.  And his feelings for Hye Jin only get stronger as he spends time working with her.  But convincing her to see him as a grown man instead of the charming young student he once was will not be easy.  And their relationship will not be easily accepted because of their history together.

 

Lee Jun Ho is easy going and slightly arrogant.  He has always achieved what he set his mind to.  And that confidence allows him to see a future with his former teacher, regardless of their age difference.  Wi Ha Joon is an actor I seem to fall in love with no matter what character he plays.  I loved his easy charm in this role.

Secondary Characters

Exploring the Supporting Cast

So Ju Yeon as Nam Cheong Mi

Nam Cheong Mi is a bright new Koean teacher at Daechi Chase Academy.  She is the first to find out that Jun Ho and Hye Jin are dating and helps to keep their secret.  She ends falls in love with Jun Ho’s childhood best friend, who is also the son of the academy’s counseling manager.  

Love & Learning in Hagwon 7/31/24

Kim Jong Tae as Kim Hyun Tak

Kim Hyun Tak is the Director of Daechi Chase Acadmy.  He started the school from the ground up by taking advantage of another school that had to close their business.  Over the years, he and Hye Jin have developed a close relationship, but his main focus is always the success of the academy.

Love & Learning in Hagwon 7/31/24

Seo Jung Yeon as Choi Hyung Sun

Choi Hyung Sun is the Director of Daechi Choisun.  She is also their number one instructor.  She is known as the Gray Witch, for obvious reasons.  She is a rival of Hye Jin and the main villain for this drama.  She tries to entice Hye Jin away from Dachi Chase Academy, but Hye Jin refuses her offer.

Love & Learning in Hagwon 7/31/24

Highlights of 'The Midnight Romance in Hagwon'

What I Loved About the Drama

Seo Young and Chun Il

I loved the relationship between Seo Young and her husband, as well as her friendship with Hye Jin.  She is such a down to earth character. Her marriage was sweet without being over the top.  And as Hye Jin’s best friend, she was understanding and kind without ever pushing her opinions or getting in the way of Hye Jin’s happiness.  And Chun Il’s warm attitude toward everyone is just endearing.  

Director Kim Hyoim

Kim Hyo Im was a surprising character for me.  At work, she stayed admirably above the drama.  And her support of Seung Gyo was really sweet.  She didn’t nag him for his choice to stay in school.  And her reaction to Seung Gyo’s announcement that he wanted to get married was great! I half-expected the usual anger or pouting, but her instant support was refreshing.

Teacher Pyo Sang Sub

The story of the prickly, traditional public school teacher was handled really well in this drama.  At first, he seemed like an unlikable villain.  But as the layers of his personality peel back, we find a tired instructor who truly cares about his students’ education.  And his character highlights something that I appreciated throughout this series, and that is the idea that people and their motives are complicated.  And that those motivations and loyalties can shift for all kinds of reasons.

Weakest Points of the Drama

Theme Shift

I really enjoyed the education theme at the beginning of this drama.  So I was disappointed when they suddenly shifted focus to the rivalry with Daechi Choisun.  At this point, all the stories they had built up until now seem to just get dropped.  What happened to the adorable Si Woo and Ha Yul?  And did Jun Ho’s back to basics approach help any of his students?  I never felt like we got any closure to these stories.  

Rivalry

I didn’t enjoy the rivalry story nearly as much as the slice of life teacher portion.  I felt like the fight between the two academies dragged at times.  Suddenly the other teachers at Daechi Chase, who have remained in the background for most of the drama are key players, choosing sides and fighting for dominance.  If they were going to become a focus, I wish we had seen more development for these characters early on.  

Woo Sung Hee

I didn’t find Vice President Woo’s character necessary when we already had a villain as strong as Choi Hyung Sun.  I felt like Vice President Woo’s personality was weak and uninteresting.  Jun Ho’s absolutely right when he calls her out for her short-sightedness.  I think the drama would have been fine focusing on Choi Hyung Sun and leaving Woo Sung Hee out altogether.  

Conclusion of The Midnight Romance in Hagwon

Unraveling the Ending

‘The Midnight Romance in Hagwon’ concludes with a happy ending for all.  Jun Ho convinces all the teachers to stay on at Daechi Chase.  He also pits Woo Sung Hee and Choi Hyung Sun against each other, which leads to an all-out brawl in the middle of the hallway of Choiseon.  And when the video of their fight sweeps the internet, they are no longer a concern to Daechi Chase. 

That leaves the Vice-President job open to Director Kim, who hopes to make her future daughter-in-law the academy’s star instructor.  Hye Jin realizes through all this that she wants to rekindle her dream of becoming a lawyer.  And the final scene shows Jun Ho proposing to her by getting down on one knee.

Personal Reflections and Rating

‘The Midnight Romance in Hagwon’ is a slow-paced romantic drama that focuses on the world of after-school education.  It paints an interesting picture of the politics and cut-throat competitiveness of cram academies and their place in the educational system that I found fascinating.  I also appreciated the mature relationship and slow-burn chemistry between the leads, and the idea of being willing to stand up for something you really believe in, even if it challenges long-standing social stigmas. 

But the teacher student relationship does brings up questions of the misuse of authority for some, even if he is now an adult.  And, this slice of life tempo isn’t for everyone. So, if this slow burn, noona-style romance bothers you, then I would skip this one.  But I give ‘The Midnight Romance in Hagwon’ a 8 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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The Fascinating Land of Memories 7/24/24

A Journey Beyond: Exploring 'Yonder'

'Yonder' The Fascinating Land of Memories 7/24/24

Delve into the enigmatic world of ‘Yonder,’ a Korean drama that blends science fiction and melodrama to create a captivating narrative.  If you have already watched this drama and would like to read a full review with spoilers, please click the link below.  

Series details

General Information

‘Yonder’ premiered on Paramount+ and spans six intriguing episodes. This Sci-Fi Melodrama stars the talented Shin Ha Kyun and Han Ji Min, who bring depth and emotion to their roles. Set in a futuristic world, the drama explores themes of love, loss, and the quest for eternal life.

 

Air Date: October 2022
Episodes: 6
Watch on: Paramount+
Genre: Sci-Fi Melodrama
Starring: Shin Ha Kyun and Han Ji Min

The Fascinating Land of Memories 7/24/24

‘In a world where memories can be eternal, what would you choose to remember?’

Plot Summary

A Glimpse into 'Yonder'

In the 2030’s, shortly after assisted suicide becomes legal in Korea, a man helps his wife to die with dignity at her request.  When he receives a mysterious message from his deceased wife shortly after her death, inviting him to a place called Yonder, he assumes it is some sick mistake. 

But when he meets others who visit Yonder, he discovers an alternate world  created by a famous “doctor”,  that exists from the memories of loved ones we have lost.  And as questions about the ethicality of Yonder surface in the media, he will be forced to make a choice about what defines life and what he is willing to give up to be with his wife again.  

Final Thoughts

'Yonder': A Journey Beyond

‘Yonder’ is a slow, thought-provoking drama that delves into the complexities of life, death, and what lies beyond. At 6 short episodes, it feels more like an extended movie than a full drama of developed characters.  But the concept is fresh and I found myself thinking about it long after I had finished the drama itself.  The cinematography is sweeping and beautiful.  I give ‘Yonder’ a 7 out of 10 ramen.

 🍜 🍜 🍜 🍜 🍜 🍜 🍜

 

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lead actor bios

Meet the Stars of 'Yonder'

The Fascinating Land of Memories 7/24/24

Shin Ha Kyun and Han Ji Min did an amazing job in this drama. If you are interested in seeing other dramas that they have performed in, please see the links below.

Shin Ha Kyun started his career in 1998, starring in the movie ‘The Happenings’.  He appeared in his first drama ‘Good Person’ in 2003. He is currently starring in the business drama ‘The Auditors’.  Below are links to other dramas he has starred in.

Han Ji Min started her career in 1999 as a model who made appearances in commercials and music videos before appearing in her first drama, the crime melodrama ‘All In’, in 2003.  She has a starring role in three upcoming dramas, including the romantic comedy ‘Acquaintances’, which is scheduled to premiere in December.

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A Startling Look Beyond 7/24/24

Welcome to Kdrama and Ramen

Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Korean dramas and indulge in the delicious flavors of ramen. Here, you’ll find in-depth reviews, unspoiled recommendations, and all the latest updates on your favorite Kdramas. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the best that Kdramas and ramen have to offer. Let’s dive in!

'Yonder': A Startling Look Beyond 7/24/24

Dive Deep into Yonder: A Comprehensive Review

Exploring the Intricacies of 'Yonder'

Explore every aspect of ‘Yonder’ in this comprehensive review. Dive into character insights, strengths, and weaknesses. If you haven’t seen the drama yet and are looking for a spoiler-free review, check out the link below.

The Fascinating Land of Memories 7/24/24
A Startling Look Beyond 7/24/24

Spoiler Alert!

This review contains significant spoilers for the Korean drama ‘Yonder’. If you haven’t watched it yet, I recommend reading the unspoiled review and viewing the series first, to fully enjoy our detailed analysis.

Series Details

General Information

Yonder aired in 2022, spanning 6 episodes.

Where to Watch

Catch all episodes of Yonder currently streaming on Paramount+

Cast

The drama features stellar performances by Shin Ha Kyun, Han Ji Min, and a talented supporting cast. It was directed by Lee Joon Ik

Air Date: October 14 – 21, 2022

Episodes: 6

Where to Watch: Paramount +

Genre: Sci-Fi Melodrama

Starring: Shin Ha Kyun and Han Ji Min

Plot Summary

An Overview of the Storyline

In the 2030’s, shortly after assisted suicide becomes legal in Korea, a man helps his wife to die with dignity at her request.  When he receives a mysterious message from his deceased wife shortly after her death, inviting him to a company building called By and By, he assumes it is some sick mistake. But when he meets others who visit By and By, he discovers an alternate world, called Yonder. 

Yonder is created by a famous “doctor” as a place that exists from the memories of loved ones we have lost.  And as questions about the ethicality of Yonder surface in the media, he will be forced to make a choice about what defines life and what he is willing to give up to be with his wife again.

Exploring the Leads

Shin Ha Kyun as Kim Jae Hyun

A Startling Look Beyond 7/24/24

Kim Jae Hyun's Story

Kim Jae Hyun is heartbroken that his wife’s cancer is taking its toll on her life and happiness.  He agrees to help her end her life legally, to end her suffering.  But after her death, he begins getting mysterious messages that say they are from her, asking him to come and see her in By and By.  At first he ignores it, but eventually he gives in and finds an AI generated world created from her memories.

And when the AI invites him to leave his life in the real world behind and join her in this new “reality” called Yonder, he agrees.  But what seems like paradise in the beginning starts to show its limitations.  Will he be able to say goodbye to his wife again, knowing that it is forever, to go back to the “real world”?

 

 

Kim Jae Hyun's Character

Kim Jae Hyun is logical and loyal.  His love for his wife makes it impossible to ignore her messages, even when they seem like some cruel joke.  And that same loyalty makes it harder for him to leave Yonder once he goes there.  But even his love can’t stop him from wondering if this alternate reality is really life at all.

Shin Ha Kyun is a talented actor and I love that he isn’t afraid to take such a wide range of roles.  This character allowed him to explore a softer, more introspective role, and I enjoyed watching him show so much emotion.

Han Ji Min as Cha Yi Hoo

A Startling Look Beyond 7/24/24

Cha Yi Hoo's Story

Cha Yi Hoo was living a blessed life with a husband she loved, dreaming of having their first child.  But a shocking cancer diagnosis changed all of that.  As the illness begins to take its toll, she decides to end her life.  But first, she contacts an organization that promises to save her chosen moments on a chip that will create an alternate world where she will live on through the memories.

When her husband finally comes to join her in Yonder, he finds not only his wife but also their daughter, alive and well.  Their days fall into an easy, carefree rhythm until Yi Hoo starts to feel the emptiness of living the same day over and over.  And when she realizes her daughter has not grown a single inch, the futility of their new life becomes overwhelming.  Yi Hoo talks with Jae Hyun and they decide to end it all by drinking a potion Yi Hoo got from Dr. K.

Cha Yi Hoo's Character

Cha Yi Hoo is thoughtful and full of a contagious joy.  But all of that changes after her illness.  And even the “perfect” world of Yonder can’t bring her any real happiness.  Her realization that Yonder has no “future” for them or their daughter is the final straw for her.

 Han Ji Min plays this kind of role well.  She seems slightly ethereal as the perfect memory of herself and her life with Jae Hyun.  There is a quiet grace to her that made Yi Hoo’s struggle and sacrifice feel genuine.

“If you can’t forget about what you’ve lost, then it’s not losing”

Supporting Cast Insights

Lee Jung Eun as Seiren

A Startling Look Beyond 7/24/24

Seiren is the bridge that helps those still alive connect to their loved ones in Yonder.  She is the wife of Doctor K and handles the practical parts of their endeavor by visiting their clients to retrieve their memories and bringing their loved ones to them.

Jung Jin Young as Doctor K

A Startling Look Beyond 7/24/24

Dr. K is the scientist behind the idea of Yonder.  He first created it after the death of his young daughter.  Now his face is seen in adds promoting Yonder and promising people “death is no longer something to be feared.”

Yoon Yi Reh as Peach

A Startling Look Beyond 7/24/24

Peach is the first person Jae Hyun meets on his visit to Yonder.  She goes there regularly to visit her father.  She also introduces him to others like them who go to Yonder to see loved ones.  

Highlights of 'Yonder'

What I Loved About the Drama

Thought-Provoking

‘Yonder’ is the kind of drama that gives you plenty to think about.  It asks some big life questions.  What is life?  What is death?  Can you have a happy ending with no “ending”?  Is it immoral to make money off the pain and suffering of others?  The list goes on… I appreicate a series that tackles difficult ideas and reminds me to live each moment.

Cinematography

‘Yonder does some interesting things with stunning, dreamlike sequences.  The views and colors shift and change with what is happening in the story in ways that give a full immersion kind of feeling.  As Seiren rockets the sports car down the road toward Yonder, we feel catapulted into the new world with Jae Hyun.  No shot feels wasted and all of it seems ripe with meaning.

"Peach"

Peach’s story was really intersting.  The idea of Yi Hoo and her memories makes sense.  But Peach’s whole memory world is founded on her own delusion. That takes the idea of Yonder to a whole new levels where people can create and live in whatever fantasy they want.  This is also a nice intro into the idea of Yi Hoo’s baby, who never actually existed.  

Critiques of 'Yonder'

Investigation

This drama tried to do a whole lot in 6 short episodes.  One of the elements that never quite came together for me was Jae Hyun’s investigation of By and By.  The characters introduced for that subplot, like the organ transplant officer and the hacker, never really take shape.  And honestly, Jae Hyun’s sudden choice to go to Yonder regardless of what he has discovered makes the whole storyline kind of pointless.  

Questions

I don’t necessarily hate short dramas or open-endings.  But this one seemed to leave way too much vaguely unanswered.  If Jae Hyun can be brought back into his body from Yonder, than what is happening to the bodies of everyone else who stay there.  Do they slowly age and die in some kind of coma?  Who actually has the “agency” to decide the memories?  In Yi Hoo’s case, it’s the one who has died but in Peach’s case she, as the “surviving” family member, created her father out of her imagination.  

The Psychology

I want to understand the characters in this drama, but it’s a hard one for me.  I can’t imagine being selfish enough to expect my loved ones to die just because I am no longer with them.  To ask the living to willingly walk away from the world they exist in just for me seems entirely unfair.  Likewise, I can’t imagine packaging an alternate reality as a heavenly religion that obviously takes advantage of someone in the midst of their suffering.  

The Conclusion of 'Yonder'

Drama Ending Explained

‘Yonder’ ends with Yi Hoo and Jae Hyun deciding to share the potion given to Yi Hoo to help her “leave Yonder”.  Jae Hyun is saved by his hacker buddy and his new side-kick Eun.  He wakes up sometime later to find the world fully embracing Dr. K and Yonder.  He confronts Seiren, who tells him she can’t give up on the idea and that some day it will be perfect.  The final scene shows Jae Hyun leaving By and By, looking like he is ready for a fight!

Personal Insights

Reflecting on 'Yonder'

‘Yonder’ is a slow, thought-provoking drama that delves into the complexities of life, death, and what lies beyond. At 6 short episodes, it feels more like an extended movie than a full drama of developed characters.  But the concept is fresh and I found myself thinking about it long after I had finished the drama itself.  The cinematography is sweeping and beautiful.  I give ‘Yonder’ a 7 out of 10 ramen.

 🍜 🍜 🍜 🍜 🍜 🍜 🍜

 

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Exciting News and Essential Updates 7/20/24

This Week in Korean Entertainment: Drama and Music Highlights

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Exciting News and Essential Updates 7/20/24

The Highlights for This Week

Korean Entertainment News: July 13 - 20

This week in Korean entertainment, we have exciting updates on actors confirmed for new drama roles, fresh music video releases, and a highly anticipated drama release. Stay tuned to catch all the buzz!

New Music Videos

Check out the latest music videos released this week:

  • n.SSign – Tiger (New Flavour)
  • DKB – Flirting X
  • Waker – Vanilla Choco Shake
  • NCT 127 – Walk
  • TWS – Double Take
  • Jimin – Who

Drama Premieres and Finales

This week, we have a highly anticipated drama release:

  • Sweet Home 3 (Full Season)

Upcoming Drama Casting News

Meet the Stars of Tomorrow's Hits

Yook Sungjae, Bona, And Kim Ji Hoon

BTOB’s Yook Sungjae, WJSN’s Bona, And Kim Ji Hoon will appear together in the upcoming historical fantasy dama ‘Gwigoong’.  The drama is based on the legend of the “eight foot tall spirit” who bears a grudge against the King, and the shaman that tries to exorcise it.  The drama is scheduled to premiere in January of next year.

 

Geum Sae Rok and Kim Jung Hyun

Geum Sae Rok and Kim Jung Hyun will join INFINITE’s Sungyeol in the upcoming dark family drama ‘Iron Family’.  The drama follows a family running a laundry business who suddenly come into a large amount of money.  ‘Iron Family’ is a weekend drama that will start airing on September 14.

Hyeri

Girl’s Day’s Hyeri will star in the upcoming mystery thriller ‘Friendly Rivalry’.  Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama is about two high school girls that forge a friendship that later becomes an obsession.  ‘Friendly Rivalry’ will air some time next year.  

Im Se Mi

Im Se Mi will join Moon Ga Young and Choi hyun Wook in the upcoming romantic comedy ‘Black Salt Dragon’.  Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama follows a couple who meet as students through an online game and again 16 years later when she gets hired as his employee.  ‘Black Salt Dragon’ is scheduled to premiere in March of 2025.

New K-Pop Music Videos Released This Week

Check out all the latest music videos this week, from TWS to n.SSign, we’ve got you covered.  So take a look at the new music of the week and feel free to dance along.  

Exciting News and Essential Updates 7/20/24

Upcoming Drama Premieres and Finales

This Week in K-Dramas

Don’t miss out on these must-watch dramas that are sure to make waves in the K-drama world!

Watch the Trailers

Full Season

Sweet Home 3

The final season to the sci-fi thriller where humans fight to survive in a world of monsters and chaos.

Exciting News and Essential Updates 7/20/24

Release Date: July 19, 2024

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