Song of the Bandits – Full Review

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Song of the Bandits – Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

Song of the Bandits – Full Review

 

Welcome to  Song of the Bandits – Full Review.  A train heist in Gando territory leads an unlikely group on a crazy journey to get funds into the hands of Korean freedom fighters. If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

Song of the Bandits

Aired:  September 22, 2023

# of Episodes:  9

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Historical Action Drama

Starring:  Kim Nam Gil and Seo Hyun

Song of the Bandits - Unspoiled Review

The Story

 

Song of the Bandits - Full Review

In the 1920’s, many displaced Koreans made their way north to Gando.  In a territory full of outlaws and desperate poverty, a rumor of a suitcase of money traveling through the area by train draws the attention of many, hoping to steal the money and finally strike it rich.  Among them is one brave activist, who lives posing as a Japanese government employee.  She intends to take all of the money and deliver it into the hands of the Korean army for independence.  And she will enlist the help of a hardened gun for hire and a jaded leader of bandits to get the money safely delivered to those who need it most.  

Song of the Bandits - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

Song of the Bandits - Full Review
Song of the Bandits - Full Review

Kim Nam Gil as Lee Yoon

Lee Yoon was a slave before his master freed him to serve with him in the Japanese army.  But taking the lives of fellow Koreans left Yoon feeling guilty and ashamed.  So he resigned his position to surrender his life to one of the men whose family he had killed.  But instead of demanding his death, the stranger challenges Yoon to live his life atoning for his crimes.  So Yoon becomes the leader of a band of bandits fighting to keep their freedom in the rough territory of Gando.  When the woman he has loved from afar for his whole life shows up in Gando, trying to smuggle money to the freedom fighters there, he risks his life and reputation to protect her and her precious cargo.  

Song of the Bandits - Full Review

Between his time as a slave and his time as a trained killer for the Japanese, Lee Yoon has plenty of things in his past that he isn’t proud of.  But when he becomes the leader of the bandits, he gets a chance to do something good for himself and his people.  And his relief when he finds out that, despite appearances, he and Hee Shin are actually on the same side, is obvious.  Kim Nam Gil is an outstanding actor and I wish we could have had more episodes to get to know this complex character.  This role definitely had a lot of potential, but there isn’t enough development there to give Kim Nam Gil much to work with.  

Seo Hyun as Nam Hee Shin

Nam Hee Shin works for the Japanese Government as the Head of the Railway Bureau.  She is also dating Lee Kwang Il, the one time-owner and sometimes friend of Yoon.  But in secret, Hee Shin is actually an activist for Korean Independence.  Her job and her romantic relationship with Kwang Il both give her opportunities to collect sensitive information and pass it on to the freedom fighters.  So when she is asked to deliver a suitcase full of money from the Japanese Government to the Chinese in Gando, to pay for a railway project, she makes plans to steal the funds and deliver them into the hands of the Korean rebels.  But when her life is threatened by countless outlaws all interested in stealing the money, she finds an unlikely ally in the taciturn Korean bandit, Yoon.  And he seems like her only chance to get the money safely into Korean hands.  

Song of the Bandits - Full Review

Nam Hee Shin is a wealthy woman of privilege who could easily have hidden behind her job working with the Japanese.  But her heart breaks when she thinks about all her people have endured under the weight of Japanese and Chinese oppression.  And when she arrives in Gando and sees it for herself firsthand, she is even more determined to help the freedom fighters’ cause.  Seo Hyun did a fine job with this role, although I found this character to be a bit dull, especially when compared with the vibrant personality of Eon Nyeon Yi.  I wish we had seen some other sides to her character that weren’t so stiff and proper all the time.  

Song of the Bandits - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

Song of the Bandits - Full Review
Song of the Bandits - Full Review

Lee Hyun Wook as Lee Kwang Il

When Yoon was a slave, Lee Kwang Il was his master.  But when Kwang Il decided to enlist with the Japanese army, he freed Yoon and asked him to join him.  At times, Kwang Il almost seems to have a brotherly affection for Yoon, but he often abandons that affection in the face of greed and fear.  Now Kwang Il is a major in the 37th Infantry Regimen of the Japanese Imperialist Army.  And when he learns that Yoon has abandoned the Japanese to fight alongside the Korean Independence fighters, Kwang Il immediately considers him an enemy who must be stopped at all costs.  

Lee Ho Jung as Eon Nyeon Yi

Eon Nyeon Yi is a gun for hire who is initially hired by Kwang Il to kill Yoon.  But when Yoon tells her he is on his way to die at the hands of someone he owes a debt, she lets him go, assuming he will die anyway.  Later she is hired by Hee Shin to help her get the money safely off the train and into rebel hands.  But while working with Hee Shin, she is shocked to cross paths with a very much alive Yoon.  Now, with her reputation on the line, her goal is to complete her work with Hee Shin and then go back to finish Yoon off.  But her loyalties are tested as she works side by side with Yoon protecting Hee Shin and the people living under Choi Chung Soo.

Song of the Bandits - Full Review
Song of the Bandits - Full Review

Yoo Jae Myung as Choi Chung Soo

Choi Chung Soo is the head of a small Korean village that hides up in the hills of Gando.  He is determined to protect both the land the people living with him.  His family was killed by Yoon during a military massacre, but instead of demanding revenge, he challenges Yoon to join their community and atone for his crimes by protecting them.  Choi Chung Soo helps Yoon lead the bandit group and his specialty is using a bow and arrow.  

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Western Concept

The way they turned 1920’s Manchuria into the wild west for this drama was fascinating.  From saloon gunfights to train heists, this drama captured the essence of it all, while still giving it an authentic kdrama feel.  I love this concept and I think they did a great job with it.  From the gritty scenery to the whistling soundtrack, it really felt like I was watching an old spaghetti western.  While the story may have fallen short in my opinion, the look and sound of this drama was sweeping and beautiful.  

 ♥ Female Gunslinger

I love Kim Nam Gil and he played a perfect outlaw gunslinger, but the character of Eon Nyeon Yi was such a surprising breath of fresh air.  While the idea of a female outlaw isn’t wholly unique, Nyeon Yi’s unapologetically rough exterior felt honest and real.  I mean, why leave all the chaotic fight scenes to the guys? Through the whole drama, Hee Shin remains the calm and collected lady, but Nyeon Yi represents a feistier, self-sufficient side to feminism that is much appreciated.

♥ Historical Context

I always love a drama that gives us a look at periods or locations that don’t get talked about often in dramas.  In this case, the history lesson about a place like Gando, that, according to Yoon is made up of “Chinese land, Japanese money, and Joseon’s people” was interesting and new to me.  Although we don’t see much of the Chinese perspective, the mix of peoples and cultures created a unique blend.  

Song of the Bandits - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Violence

While I am not particularly squeamish, this drama definitely went overkill on the violence and gore.  Most kdrama fans are already aware of Netflix’ tendency to add American shock value into all of their dramas, whether that be sex or violence. But this one was much more bloody than I expected.  And sure, a little violence is to be expected in a “Western”, but this one seemed to go a bit overboard for my taste.   

Kwang Il

Kwang Il’s character had so much potential, but I felt like I didn’t know how we should feel about him.  At times, he seems to feel some sentimental attachment to Yoon and their memories together.  But other times his hatred and resentment seems more deep-seated than just a military enemy or a romantic competitor.  We really just scratched the surface of all Kwang Il seems to think and feel.  

Lack of Development

This story seemed to jump all over the place, leaving so many ideas and characters unfinished.  I suppose there is always a possibility that Netflix will wave the wand and give fans a second season, although I’m not sure this cast would be willing to sign on even if it was offered. But as it sits for now, I feel like the plot lacked both proper development and a satisfying ending.  

Song of the Bandits - Full Review

The Ending

 

I don’t know why, but from what I had heard, I expected “Song of the Bandits” to have a happy ending.  Boy, was I wrong!  Yoon and Kwang Il finally face off, and although Yoon ends up with the advantage, he settles for shooting Kwang Il’s trigger finger off rather than actually killing him.  Yoon and his band withdraw to safety and the Japanese forces report their failure back to the higher ups.  Kwang Il is demoted and returns to Hee Shin a broken man.  But things only get worse when he finds out that Hee Shin has been working with the Independence Fighters the whole time.  Yoon plans to visit Hee Shin, but a boy delivers a note to him from Hee Shin warning him that he must stay away.  The drama ends with Hee Shin getting married to Kwang Il, despite her betrayal and love for Yoon.  And Yoon and the bandits have regrouped to fight yet more Japanese troops.  

Song of the Bandits - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

Song of the Bandits - Unspoiled Review

“Song of the Bandits” is the Korean equivalent of a spaghetti western, in this case happening in the rugged territory of Gando, or Manchuria.  If you have been following many Netlfix kdramas, it will not surprise you that this one is excessively violent.  While the music and cinematography is sweeping and beautiful, the storyline is muddled and incomplete.  And I don’t seem to be the only one to think so, since the actors have given interviews to voice their own displeasure at the finished product.  If you are looking for a series full of gun fights and action, and don’t mind a lot of blood, you may enjoy this one.  The action is thrilling and well filmed, and the drama does look and sound impressive.  But don’t expect to fall in love with the story, the romance, or the ending.  If you haven’t seen it yet, I would put this one on the back burner and watch “Mr. Sunshine” instead…or again!    I give “The Song of Bandits” a 7 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 -Full Review

Kdrama and Ramen

For the love of all things Kdrama

News and Reviews

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 -Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 – Full Review

 

Welcome to  First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 – Full Review.  Police, Fire, and Rescue team up together to respond to emergency situations. If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2

Aired: November 12 – December 30, 2022

August 4 – September 9, 2023

# of Episodes:  24

Where to Watch: Hulu

Genre: Action Mystery Drama

Starring:  Kim Rae Won and Gong Seung Yeon

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2

The Story

 

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

In the world of first responders a local, neighboring fire and police station link up, using their unique knowledge and perspectives to solve current criminal cases.  As they work together, they will be involved in life and death emergency situations. And if the newly formed, multi-service team is going to save lives, including their own, they are going to have to support and trust each other completely.

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review
First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

Kim Rae Won as Jin Ho Gae

Jin Ho Gae is a detective who once rose in the ranks to work in the Regional Investigation Unit before transferring to a small sub-station in Taewon.  As he gets settled into his new position, he finds that his new apartment neighbors both work at the Fire Station near by.  The trio slowly develop a spirit of cooperation as they answer emergency calls and rush to crime scenes.  They soon discover that cases are solved much more easily when their efforts are combined.  And as they dig into their day to day calls, they will uncover a major series of crimes manipulated by one very dangerous mastermind.  When the stakes are raised, they find that cooperation is more important than ever if they are going to catch this hardened criminal and keep their own lives.  

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

Jin Ho Gae’s nickname is “Jindo Dog” because he refuses to let go once he catches a trail.  His reputation proceeds him when he transfers to Taewon, but his colleagues soon learn that his tenacity can also be an asset to their team.  And while Ho Gae pretends to be uncaring and sharp, they soon learn that he is loyal and fiercely protective.  I love Kim Rae Won, although I don’t always love his role choices.  But in this case, I loved this drama and this character.  Ho Gae’s complex personality allowed him to show several different sides to his character and I enjoyed them all.  

Gong Seung Yeon as Song Seol

Song Seol is a paramedic at a small fire station in Taewon.  She has a close relationship with her mentor, fellow firefighter, and neighbor Do Jin.  But when the new police detective also becomes her neighbor, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to his rough exterior and wounded spirit.  The three begin working on cases together, and Seol finds herself being pulled deeper and deeper into the danger of Ho Gae’s cases.  When Do Jin is suddenly killed in an arson fire, she is overcome with doubt and guilt.  But she now has a new partner in Ho Gae, who still needs her assistance if they are going to find the criminal behind Do Jin’s death and catch the mastermind before more lives are lost.  

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

Song Seol is kind and extremely empathetic.  She carries the scars of being abandoned as a baby, and that motivates her to help those in need.  But sometimes her sensitive and caring personality make her job very difficult.  When she meets Ho Gae, she quickly recognizes him as a kindred spirit in need of emotional healing.  But she also suspects Do Jin’s feelings for her as well, which makes the situation much more challenging.  Gong Seung Yeon was well suited for this role.  This character is sweet and rather simple, but Gong Seung Yeon played her genuinely pure heart  sincerely.  

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review
FIrst Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

Son Ho Jun as Bong Do Jin

Bong Do Jin, whose nickname is “Bulldozer”, is a fire inspector at the Taewon Station.  He is known for being unswerving in his beliefs and his actions.  He has been in love with Seol from the first moment he met her, but he has never been able to confess his feelings to her. When Ho Gae joins the police station, the two develop a reluctant partnership that eventually allows them to build an unbreakable trust.  Do Jin is aware of Ho Gae’s increasing feelings for Seol, but he doesn’t let that come between his new friendship with Ho Gae.  

Kang Gi Doong as Pil Gong Myung 

Pil Gong Myung, know as Pil, is Ho Gae’s partner at the Police Station.  He is known for his friendliness with his colleagues and his mental and physical agility.  He isn’t so sure he is happy when he is first teamed with Ho Gae, but soon Pil becomes his biggest fan.  No matter how dangerous the road Ho Gae leads him down, Pil follows him with full trust that Ho Gae will make sure they both come out alive.  

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review
First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

Seo Hyun Chul as Baek Cham 

Baek Cham is the Chief Detective at Taewon.  He has known Ho Gae since his early career days, which sometimes makes him act more like a father than a boss. Ho Gae often uses Chief Baek when they need someone unassuming to go undercover. Through all the work with the Fire Department, Chief Baek falls for the Commander there.  Although their romance is a very small sub-plot, their story is sweet.

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Story Arc Within Arc

The success of this drama lies in it’s ability to keep a nice balance in several areas.  One of the things that I enjoyed is that rather than waiting for the big villain to finally show up toward the end of the drama, we had several other major story arcs that led up to that.  Characters like the corrupt business man Ma Tae Hwa and the Commander’s ex-husband Yang Sang Man had major multi-episode plot lines that fed into the final reveal.  These other stories kept the plot from getting stale until the end.

 ♥ Case Diversity

The idea of bringing all 3 levels of emergency response teams into this drama together was a great way to ensure that the cases could be diverse and interesting.  From abuse, to arson, to murder, everything fell under one of their jurisdictions.  And it was interesting to show how each group brought a new perspective and technique to the investigations.  As each branch was able to focus on their individual areas of specialty, the cases felt more indepth and developed.

♥ Second Season Additions

As much as I hated to see Do Jin and Ana go, I liked the way the second season brought us some fresh characters that gave the team a new dynamic.  With the first season relationships pretty stable by this point, it was fun to see Do Ha show up on the scene to create new tension. And I loved it that they made him out to be a villain for awhile before we find out who he really is.  And the addition of Eun Hye’s reckless charm and over the top strategies was entertaining.  Bringing in these characters brought just enough new energy to keep season 2 from being an exact replica of season 1 and it brought many more scenes to the NFS.  

First Responder Season 1 &2 - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Do Jin and Seol

So, of course, Do Jin’s death was heartbreaking, but I understand it from a story perspective.  My issue is not his death so much as the unanswered questions he left.  The fact that he never got to confess his feelings, even though Seol ends up knowing exactly how he felt because of the ring seems somehow unfair. Also, in the back of my mind, I can’t help but wonder what Seol’s response would have been to that confession.  It is pretty obvious that her romantic interests were focused on Ho Gae, while Do Jin was more friend and mentor.  But how would Seol have let him down without breaking his heart?  Killing him so suddenly left me with a lot of “what ifs” that put a bit of a damper on her romance with Ho Gae.  

Dex

Leading up to our introduction of him, Dex was one of the most brilliant, diabolic villains ever.  So it was disappointing when he showed up in the autopsy room and it was just so obvious it was him.  After all that amazing manipulation and strategy, his reveal just kind of fell flat.  And it was downhill for him from there.  Because apparently I’m not the only one who spotted him instantly.  His story just kind of fell apart, suddenly nothing went right for him, and in the end he was taken down too easily.  Maybe they just saved too much for the last couple episodes, but it felt really anticlimatic. 

Traumatic Backstories

I always appreciate character backstories, but in this case it seemed like every single character had some extreme past trauma.  I’m sure it’s true that many become first responders based on personal experiences, but I’ve never seen a more broken group of people as a whole.  A few tragic stories would make sense, but they just seemed to push it a little too far to be realistic.

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

The Ending

 

“First Responders” finishes by bringing down the evil mastermind and giving our lead couple a happy ending.  Dex kidnaps Seol, but the team, led by Ho Gae, who is not really dead after all, rushes in to save her and arrest Dex.  Later, at his trial he is charged with the Death Penalty. But he is relieved since Korea seldom actually executes its prisoners.  But on his way from the court room, a team from the US show up to extradite him on charges of murder committed on US soil.  Ho Gae and Seol share a happy reunion at the hospital, after she scolds him for letting her believe he was dead. But now, they are finally ready to make their relationship official. Ho Gae is back in front of the disciplinary committee, but this time when he loses his temper, his fellow officers stand behind his actions.  The final scene shows Chief Baek and Commander Dokko getting married, but the ceremony is interrupted when an emergency call comes in and all the guests have to rush out.  It seems the job of a first responder is never done!

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

First Responders Seasons 1 & 2 - Unspoiled Review

“First Responders” is a rescue crime drama that incorporates police, fire, and EMTs into one cohesive team.  I enjoy this style of series, and I was impressed with how well this one balanced crime investigations with character development.  It took a realistic approach, which means that not all cases get a happy ending and some episodes may have you reaching for your tissue box.  Both seasons together contain 24 episodes, many over an hour, so this is probably not the one to start if you are looking for a quick binge watch. But if you like gripping action dramas with well conceived storylines, this one was exciting and well done.   I give “First Responders” a 8 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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Miraculous Brothers – Full Review

Kdrama and Ramen

For the love of all things Kdrama

News and Reviews

Miraculous Brothers – Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

Miraculous Brothers – Full Review

 

Welcome to  Miraculous Brothers – Full Review.  A struggling author meets a young stranger with a superpower and a mysterious connection to his own past. If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

Miraculous Brothers

Aired: June 28 – August 17, 2023

# of Episodes:  16

Where to Watch: Viki and Netflix

Genre: Supernatural Mystery Drama

Starring:  Jung Woo and Bae Hyun Sung

Miraculous Brothers - Unspoiled Review

The Story

 

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

A struggling author meets a young man with mysterious superpowers and no memory of who he is.  He has the ability to sense other people’s pain and struggles simply by brushing past them.  But that isn’t the only usual thing about the young stranger.  It seems that he actually came from the past carrying a manuscript that tells the story of a 27 year old murder that has been covered up.  Now the writer and his newly found “brother” will work together to uncover the truth about the crime and their own connection to the events of the past.  

Miraculous Brothers - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review<br />
Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

Jung Woo as Yook Dong Joo

Yook Dong Joo is an aspiring writer.  One night he accidently hits a young stranger with his car.  While trying to discover the young man’s identity, Dong Joo finds an amazing manuscript in his backback.  Desperate to jump start his career, Dong Joo presents the story as his own.  When the stranger wakes up, he has no memory of who he is or the manuscript he carried.  But as Dong Joo’s book gains popularity, people begin to connect his novel with a real life murder that took place 27 years ago.  And there are those who don’t want the secrets of that crime brought to light.  

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

Yook Dong Joo has failed to gain recognition as a writer, despite endless attempts.  And although his desperation leads him to make some poor decisions, he is also a man who is generous and has moral integrity.  This discrepancy between his personality and his actions is at the crux of his character development.  But he serves as a reminder that we all make mistakes in moments of weakness, and our character is determined by how we respond to those mistakes.  Jung Woo is such a great actor.  His ability to be at once brash and loud and at the same time emotional and thoroughly likable is one of my favorite things about him.  And that makes the role of Dong Joo perfect for him.

Bae Hyun Sung as Kang San

Kang San is hit by a car during a lightning storm and wakes up in the hospital with no memory of his past or the world around him.  While still in the hospital, he finds that he can see and feel other people’s pain if he makes any physical contact with them. With nowhere to go, he begins staying with Dong Joo, who is the one who hit him.  And they soon discover that Kang San actually time travelled from the past.  As the pieces of his memory slowly come back, he begins to look for his older brother who disappeared 27 years ago.  But his brother is not the only link he has between his past and this present life.  Soon he will find himself plunged into the middle of a dangerous murder case and some very powerful enemies. 

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

Kang San is sweet and naive.  Although he has travelled 27 years into the future, he is still just an innocent high school student who has lived a difficult life.  His sense of wonder at the changes in the world around him give his character a unique perspective.  Finding himself in this strange new place, he has no choice but to trust and depend on the few people he has been able to meet.  Bae Hyun Sung made a great Kang San.  His bright eyes and youthful enthusiasm fit the role well.  I especially liked his interactions with Jung Woo.  Their scenes felt natural and it was fun to watch them become more casual and relaxed with each other as the story progressed.

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review
Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

Park Yoo Rim as Park Hyeon Soo

Park Hyeon Soo is a homicide detective who suffered a trauma when her former partner was killed in the line of duty.  She meets San when he is in the hospital after his accident.  But when someone sends her Dong Joo’s new book, she immediately sees the similarities between it and a case from 27 years ago.  And since the story told in the book does not match up with the investigation the police performed back then or the punishment of the homeless man who ended up in jail for the crime, she begins her own investigation into the events.  

Oh Man Suk as Kai

Kai is San’s older brother.  After seeing what happened at the lake that night, Kai went into hiding to save his own life and hopefully San’s as well.  The manuscript that Dong Joo published was actually written by Kai after witnessing the whole thing.  After years of living in secret, Kai is determined to get revenge on the boys from the lake that really killed a man that night.  But those young boys avoided punishment then because of their family connections, and they have grown up into powerful and influential men who won’t go down without a fight. 

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review
Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

Lee Ki Woo as Lee Myung Seok

Lee Myung Seok is a college friend of Dong Joo who agrees to publish Dong Joo’s book.  But he is also the younger brother of Lee Tae Man, the ring leader responsible for the murder that night, and someone who has continued to commit crimes to cover up the truth of what happened.  From the beginning, Myung Seok doubts that Dong Joo is the true author of his book.  But he is thrilled when he finds out that he can use it a weapon to finally take down his brother and take his place as the Chairman of Taekang Group

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Chae Woo Jeong

I really loved Chae Woo Jeong as San’s first love back in the past.  She is now an adult who owns her own book cafe.  The writers managed to create a beautifully bittersweet story between the two.  While neither one of them is the person the other remembers, they still share a sweet bond of affection that is full of love, without ever making the new age difference feel weird.  The fine line they managed to walk is so well done.  While their story was only a side plot, it was one of my favorites in this drama.

♥ Redemption

Watching Dong Joo struggle with the choices he made was one of the most interesting elements of this drama.  And I love the contrast between his immense sense of guilt and Tae Man’s absolute refusal to accept any responsibility for his own criminal actions.  I was so happy that Dong Joo was able to atone for his mistakes in the end by facing it honestly.  And all of that led him to write his newest novel, “Miracle Brother”.  His journey was well-written and heartfelt.

 ♥ Villain to the Villain

Lee Tae Man is the obvious villain in this drama.  As the heartless murderer who was still killing to keep his secret safe, he was entirely unlikable and diabolical.  But when all is said and done, Myung Seok just may be even more evil.  The way he used Dong Joo’s book as a weapon to destroy his own brother is pretty low.  And really no villain ever deserved it more than Tae Man, so it’s hard to really hate Myung Seok for it. This gave us double the satisfaction for Tae Man’s punishment, since Dong Joo and San were responsible for putting him in prison and Myung Seok was responsible for making sure he lost all his family fortune and connections.

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Ineffective Detectives

I’m really not sure we needed the detectives and their useless investigations in this drama.  After all, Dong Joo and San pretty much end up solving the whole crime without their help anyway.  I didn’t find Park Hyeon Soo’s character that interesting to begin with.  The time wasted watching the police chase their own tails could have been better spent exploring other, more interesting characters or explaining some of the unanswered questions about the supernatural elements of the story.  For example, what was the whole disappearing hand thing supposed to mean and why did even Dong Joo have it happen at one point?  Or why did Dong Joo’s watch suddenly start again?  What is the meaning of Kang San getting his powers back?

Kai

With all the great character development this drama did, the one character that I felt they really neglected was Kai.  By the end of the drama, he still felt like a character we didn’t know much about.  I have to wonder how he managed to sit and write an extensive manuscript between the night of the murder and the day he went to the police staton to report it.  But more than that, what was his life like as a dutiful son who stole someone else’s identity.  I would also have loved to see the first reunion between he and Hye Kyeong.  From the small pieces that we see of Kai’s life, he didn’t have the opportunity to reveal any of his true emotions or personality.  

Back to Past

I had kind of hoped that San would get a chance to go back to the past he belonged in.  With the knowledge he brought from the present, he could have changed everything for the better, allowing his brother and Dong Joo’s dad to stay by his side, and hopefully saving Woo Jeong from the accident that caused her dementia.  And if all that had happened, they could have all still been together in the present with the adult San.  Especially since they seemed to be hinting at the fact that San was becoming increasingly ill from having travelled through time. Did he just magically stop passing out once the murder was solved?  They neglected to give San’s superpower story any proper closure.

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

The Ending

 

“Miraculous Brothers” ties things up pretty well for a happy ending.  After the police bring in both Tae Man and Sang Woo, they manage to turn them against each other and get the confession they need.  All of those still around from the original murder and cover up are rounded up and arrested.  San and Kai plan to take off together to go into hiding, until Kai decides he wants to face his crime and turn himself in. But first he calls Dong Joo to ask him to look after San until he is released.  Kai and Hye Kyeong also have a brief reunion where she promises to wait for him.  Two years later, Dong Joo has published his second novel, this one titled “Miracle Brother”.  San is going to college, and he and Dong Joo are living together at Kai’s house.  The final scene shows San getting his powers back and Dong Joo’s dad’s watch start ticking again, hinting at a possible sequel, just in case.  Then Dong Joo gives us an thought-provoking ending monolog about miracles happening every day.  

Miraculous Brothers - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

Miraculous Brothers - Unspoiled Review

“Miraculous Brothers” is a time travel drama with a mystery crime plot. This drama was a pleasant surprise for me. It is slow moving and character driven. The story is well-told and the characters are quirky and strangely likable, despite some very questionable life choices.  The one genre this drama steers completely clear of is romance.  But the bromance between the leads is endearing and fun. If you enjoy slow burn character development and supernatural mystery, I recommend this one.  I give “Miraculous Brothers” an 8 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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Moving -Full Review

Kdrama and Ramen

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Moving -Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

Moving- Full Review

 

Welcome to  Moving – Full Review.  Three teenagers with superpowers are caught up in a case of national security, and their parents will have to step in to protect their precious children. If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

Moving

Aired: August 9 – September 20, 2023

# of Episodes:  20

Where to Watch: Hulu

Genre: Supernatural Action Drama

Starring:  Lee Jung Ha and Go Yeon Jung

Moving - Unspoiled Review

The Story

 

Moving - Full Review

Three teenagers with special abilities inherited from their parent end up at Jeongwon high school.  But they soon find out that all of them being there isn’t a coincidence.  A secret government program is being initiated that would train young people whose superpowers could be used for top secret missions.  And a school is the perfect cover for training special agents.  But neither the students nor their parents have any idea what is actually going on.  And when the adults become aware of how their children are being used, they will stop at nothing to protect their loved ones 

Moving - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

Moving - Full Review
Moving - Full Review

Lee Jung Ha as Kim Bong Seok

Kim Bong Seok’s parents knew from the time he was a baby that he inherited his dad’s special talent for “floating”.  Through his childhood, Bong Seok and his mother lived in hiding, while they worked on ways to control his abilities.  Now that he is in high school, he has learned coping strategies to keep his powers hidden, although his mother still worries constantly.  When a new girl shows up at school, Bong Seok is immediately drawn to her.  And when he finds out that she has her own secret, he understands their connection.  But little does he know that connection goes beyond them to their parents and their job within a special government organization.  And now a similar program has targeted Bong Seok and other students who display similar abilities.  

Moving - Full Review

Kim Bong Seok is cheerful and kind.  He is a disciplined student who longs for a life that will allow his mom to live a worry-free existence.  But his secret gets much harder to hide as his heart responds to his feelings about his new friend, Hee Soo.  And to his surprise, she is not horrified or scared of his “specialness”.  Lee Jung Ha was really wonderful in this role.  I heard that the actor had to gain a considerable amount of weight for this role.  But I loved how that made him a less traditional looking hero.  His sweet smile and unquestioning generosity made me truly fall in love with this amazing character.

Go Youn Jung as Jang Hee Soo

Jang Hee Soo’s father has always suspected that she inherited his ability to heal from any injury, no matter how serious.  When she is expelled from her latest school for violence, only Jeongwan High school is willing to allow her admittance.  So she shows up as the new kid, on her best behavior.  But when she meets Bong Seok, she feels like she has met a loyal ally and friend.  And as details about the school and the three gifted students unfold, a sinister plan comes to light between the school administration and a special government program.  

Moving - Full Review

Jang Hee Soo is brave and honest. As much as she wanted to avoid any trouble at her old school that would cause them to have to move again and put even more financial stress on her father, she couldn’t look the other way when an innocent classmates was mercilessly bullied. Bong Seok is the first person who seems to really understand her, and she is not afraid to tell him exactly how she feels — after she gives him something heavy to hang on to!  Go Youn Jung is a great young actress and I think this role was perfect for her.  I liked the quiet chemistry she shared with Lee Jung Ha and I really enjoyed their story.  

Moving - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

Moving - Full Review
Moving - Full Review

Zo In Sung as Kim Doo Shik

Kim Doo Shik is Bong Seok’s father.  His ability to fly made him a priceless assest to the government years earlier, until the top secret NIS program is disbanded.  After being captured by the agency, Doo Shik disappears without a trace, leaving his partner, Joo Won, and his wife and son with no idea of where he is.  While everyone fears he is dead, Doo Shik finally escapes his North Korean prison and comes home.  

Han Hyo Joo as Lee Mi Hyun

Lee Mi Hyun is Bong Seok’s mother.  Her special ability is an enhanced sense of hearing and sight.  These abilities helped her become a high-ranking agent with the NIS.  She met Doo Shik when she was assigned by Director Min to spy on the young agent.  But Mi Hyun and Doo Shik fall in love and end up running away together.  After Doo Shik’s disappearance, Mi Hyun has devoted her life to protecting their son from living the same kind of life they were forced to live. 

Moving - Full Review
Moving - Full Review

Ryu Seung Ryong as Jang Joo Won

Jang Joo Won is Hee Soo’s father.  Like his daughter,  his special ability is the power to heal from any injury.  He was Doo Shik’s partner when the two worked for the NIS.  After Doo Shik’s disappearance, he stayed with the agency working a desk job for awhile.  But when his wife is killed, he takes Hee Soo and goes into hiding.  Currently, he owns a chicken restaurant near Jeongwon High School.

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Backstories

This drama really sets out to give as many characters as possible their own private backstory.  Even the North Korean soldiers were given some depth, so that their actions felt understandable, rather than just portraying them as evil.  The individual episodes devoted to each of the stars and their stories felt very much like the kind of webtoon the drama was based on.  I enjoyed getting to know each character and seeing each of their stories unfold.  

♥ Human Superheroes

One of the things this drama did so well was showing the humanity of each of our heroes.  Having superpowers isn’t always the picnic we envision.  They have their own struggles and limitations.  Being “different” can be lonely and frustrating.  It was nice that this series went deeper than the average superhero show and gave each character an individual personality and story.  

 ♥ Generational

I loved the way this drama was about both the children and their parents.  Through the beginning stages of the show, it seemed like the story would revolve around Bong Seok and Hee Soo, and, to a lesser degree, Kang Hoon.  So I was pleasantly suprised when the focus shifted to their parents and how it all started.  While the students stories were sweet and interesting, the history of their parents gave the drama more texture and dimension.  Their tragic lives are a cautionery look at what will happen if the parents can’t find a way to protect their children from the NIS and Director Min.  

Moving - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Reunions

The ending of this drama left me wanting so much more.  I especially missed some of the happy reunions that must have taken place.  We see Doo Shik appear on Mi Hyun’s roof, but it would have been nice to see a sincere reunion between the two.  And that first father son talk between he and Bong Seok must have been so touching.  Also, I would love to have seen Doo Shik’s reunion with his former partner.  Undoubtably, the two must have plenty to talk about.  Lastly, I missed a sweet reunion between our young couple Bong Seok and Hee Soo.  It would have been great if the drama had come full circle to have them meet a second time.  

Past vs. Present

I am never one to complain about backstories and character development.  But I will say that devoting entire episodes to the past sometimes made the story of the present seem inconsequential.  And this made the pacing seem off at times.  I think a better balance beween the past and present would have given the drama a more consistant feel.  As it was, the final couple of episodes that took place mostly in the present seemed almost like an afterthought.  I would have loved it if they had been able to include all the backstories while still bringing it back to the overarching plot in the present.  

Ki Soo

It seemed like Ki Soo was going to have a more significant role in the overall plot when he was introduced.  And I was disappointed that he didn’t.  He was an interesting character, and his experience being injured by Sung Wook was a hint into the darker side of Jeongwon High School.  They even gave a small nod toward a romance between him and Han Byul.  But none of these stories ever really led anywhere.  I just wish we could have gotten to know him a bit better.  

Moving - Full Review

The Ending

 

It’s a drawnout, bloody battle to get to the end of this drama.  But in the end the good guys win and South Korea is safe, at least for the time being. Mi Hyun, Joo Won, and Jae Man step in to protect their children and defeat the North Korean spies.  But Joon Hwa lives to go home and finally help Doo Shik escape prison, warning him that his son needs his protection.  Graduation Day shows everyone except Bong Seok back at school.  And Hee Soo is definitely feeling his absence.  Later we see that Kang Hoon has kept his word to begin working for the NIS, but he requests that in exchange, his father’s criminal record be dismissed.  Director Min agrees to consider it once Kang Hoon has proven himself.  In a short but shocking development, as Kang Hoon is leaving, he sees his former classmate, the bullied Hye Won going into the Director’s office.  And we see that she is actually the one Director Min is taking orders from.  Apparently her superpower is not aging.  She has the Director killed before leaving.  For the end, we see Hee Soo go home to her dad’s shop where her new “uncle”, North Korean soldier Young Deok is now working with Joo Won.  And we see that Bong Seok is now donning his bright yellow jacket to freelance as a superhero who rescues those in trouble.  Finally we see Doo Shik appear on the roof of Mi Hyun’s apartment as Mi Hyun and Bong Seok look on in shock.  Fade to black.  But…after the credits we get a sneak peak into a possible season 2.  Agent Sang Gu is now sitting in the directors seat.  While elsewhere, we see Frank has returned from the dead.  And the ones who trained the children are now looking to call up Elias.  Bring on the new villains!

Moving - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

Moving - Unspoiled Review

“Moving” is a character driven, action hero drama.  For me, this drama was a real gem.  I loved the fact that our “superheroes” also showed us their very human sides.  The character development is well done, while not taking away from the thrilling fight scenes and action plot.  I will say that the drama is pretty slow moving if you are just looking for a fast paced, straightforward action drama.  Also, while slow and character-driven, this drama is rated Mature for violence.  It can get a bit gory at times, if you are particularly queasy.  But the story is exciting and touching, the cast is amazing, and the visuals are realistic and well-done.  I fell in love with all of these charming characters.  And I hear that the writers have started working on a Season 2, so it seems like we will have a chance to get to know them even better.  I give “Moving” an 10 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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A Time Called You – Full Review

Kdrama and Ramen

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A Time Called You – Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

A Time Called You – Full Review

 

Welcome to  A Time Called You – Full Review.   A woman travels back in time to meet her doppelganger and try to solve the mystery of her untimely death. If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

A Time Called You

Aired: September 8, 2023

# of Episodes:  12

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Time Travel Romance

Starring:  Ahn Hyo Seop and Jeon Yeon Been

A Time Called You - Unspoiled Review

The Story

 

A Time Called You - Full Review

Han Jun Hee is a 36 year old woman who is transported back to the year 1998, into the body of Kwon Min Ju, a high school student who looks just like her.  But Jun Hee is even more surprised when she sees a classmate who looks just like her boyfriend, who died a year ago.  And while Min Ju may look just like her, Jun Hee soon finds out that their lives and personalities are very different.  And if she can solve the mystery of who would want Min Ju dead, she may be able to save this girl from her own personal tragedy before returning to her own life in the present.

A Time Called You - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

A Time Called You - Full Review
A Time Called You - Full Review

Ahn Hyo Seop as Koo Yeon Jun / Nam Si Heon

Nam Si Heon is an average high schooler.  So, when his best friend, the very shy Jung In Kyu, starts to show interest in an equally shy and awkward classmate named Kwon Min Ju, he naturally sets out to help the pair get closer.  And as the 3 of them begin spending time together, they become fast friends.  But when Si Heon starts to notice strange changes in Min Ju’s personality and even appearance, he is confusd.  And he is guilt-ridden when he realizes that he has also developed feelings for her.  As he and Min Ju grow closer, she confides in him the bizarre set of circumstances that brought her there.  And as far-fetched as they seem, he can’t help but believe she is telling the truth.  When she tells him that Min Ju will die in one months time if they don’t find the killer and stop him, Si Heon has no choice but to help her try to prevent the upcoming tragedy.  

A Time Called You - Full Review

Nam Si Heon is a popular guy who avoids all of the school drama by keeping to himself. He befriended In Kyu when they were both young, and he is loyal and protective of him and their friendship.  And that makes it all the more difficult for him when he realizes that he has fallen for the girl In Kyu likes.  But no amount of guilt or resistance on his part can break the bond that he and Jun Hee share.  And if her story is true, she is not the same Min Ju that In Kyu liked anyway.  I am a big fan of Ahn Hyo Seop, and liked seeing him in this dual role, but the confusing time loops sometimes made it unclear which character he was supposed to be.  Both of them blended into one for me, and I couldn’t tell you what made Si Heon different from Koo Yeon Jun, personality wise.  I wish they had given the two of them more distinct mannerisms.  

Jeon Yeo Been as Han Jun Hee / Kwon Min Ju

One year ago, Han Jun Hee’s boyfriend died in plane crash, on his way to visit her in New York.  Though she does a good job of acting fine of the outside, inside she has never gotten over the loss.  One day, an anonymous package arrives for her.  Inside is an old cassette player with a tape and headphones.  When Jun Hee listens to the tape. she is transported back to the year 1998, into the body of a high schooler who looks just like her.  And she isn’t alone, when she meets a classmates who looks just like her dead boyfriend.  But she soon finds out that Min Ju, the student whose body she now lives in, will be murdered in about a month if she can’t stop the killer.  Now all of her time and energy is put into finding out what actually happened that night and who would want Min Ju dead.  

A Time Called You - Full Review

Han Jun Hee is enthusiastic and outgoing.  It doesn’t take long in Min Ju’s body, to turn the shy loner into a spunky girl that her classmates are drawn to.  But when she finds out that Min Ju will die soon, she is more worried about saving her life than making her a popular girl in school.  Unlike Ah Hyo Seop, who was challenged by two characters that weren’t much different, Han Jun Hee and Kwon Min Ju were very different, and Jeon Yeo Been was able to take advantages of those differences in her performance.  She did a nice role of creating two characters that each had their own personalities and were easy to tell apart.  

A Time Called You - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

A Time Called You - Full Review
A Time Called You - Full Review

Kang Hoon as Jung In Kyu

Jung In Kyu is Si Heon’s best friend.  It is his crush on Min Ju that brings the three main characters together in the beginning.  As a boy who had to wear a hearing aid, he was picked on by the other kids, until he met Si Heon who became his best friend and biggest supporter.  But In Kyu also has a tragic ending in his future, if Si Heon and Jun Hee fail to stop Min Ju’s killer and change the course of their lives.  

Park Hyuk Kwon as Bae Chi Won 

Bae Chi Won is Min Ju’s uncle.  He runs a record store where Min Ju works, and Si Heon and In Kyu also spend a lot of their time.  He is the only adult who knows the truth about who Jun Hee really is and what will happen to Min Ju if they can’t save her. Before returning to the present, Jun Hee once reveals to Chi Won that he should study to be a barista because he will own a coffee shop in the future. Later, when Si Heon goes into the future to find Jun Hee, he seeks out Chi Won at his coffee shop and asks for his help.   

A Time Called You - Full Review
A Time Called You - Full Review

Min Jin Woong as Oh Chan Yeong / Oh Chan Hee

Oh Chan Hee is a classmate of Min Ju’s.  He sees her outcast label as something that makes them kindred spirits, and he develops a crush on her.  But his brother Chan Yeong uses the time travel loop to become Min Ju’s killer.  Chan Yeong works with Jun Hee’s boyfriend, Yeon Jun, at his woodworking studio.  So she knows him in the present and is able to put the pieces together and stop him from traveling back in time to kill Min Ju.  

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Time Loop Elements

This drama had such an interesting take on what we have come to expect from time travel dramas.  First of all, it uses a loop effect, rather than two set points in time.  Also, I loved how we didn’t just see someone go back to their past self, but a totally new character.  And the locked room that held Min Ju and Jun Hee was an interesting spin, although it seemed weird that we didn’t see any of the other characters locked in a similar situation.  I would be curious if Yeon Jun’s room would have looked similar or been totally different, based on his or Si Heon’s personalities.  All in all, the concept was fresh and creative.  

♥ Unpredictable Plot

This is one of those shows where the plot is so out-of-the-box, that it is impossible to predict what might happen next.  Of course, I know many saw the original, so that would be different for them. But for me, I enjoyed the surprise and shock of many of the story elements.  It kept me guessing right up until the end, and I was really curious about how they were going to bring it all in for a landing.

 ♥ Sacrifice

One of the overarching themes of this drama is sacrifice.  I love that it is subtle and not overstated.  But each of our 3 leads, at some point, sacrifice their own needs and wants for the safety and happiness of those they care about.  Si Heon tries to deny his feelings for Jun Hee because of In Kyu.  And later he gets on the plane, knowing it will crash, because he knows it’s the only way he will meet Jun Hee.  In Kyu goes to jail to make Min Ju’s death memorable, because it was her dying wish.  He also pretended to believe Jun Hee’s “crazy story”, so Si Heon wouldn’t feel so guilty about liking her.  And Jun Hee gives us the ultimate sacrifice when she destroys the cassette player and breaks the bridge between the 2 time frames.  For our leads, sacrifice equals love, and I think it is beautiful.

A Time Called You - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Jun Hee’s Age Difference

For me, one of the glaring inconsistencies in this drama is that Jun Hee is actually a 36 year old woman from the present.  I feel like she should have experienced more awkward social moments hanging out with a bunch of teenagers from 1998.  And that age difference also made the romance a bit strange.  Granted, she saw Si Heon more as the older Yeon Jun, but still he was an inexperienced high school student and she was a mature, self-supporting adult.  It seems like that should have played a part in the story itself.

Weak Villain Story

I loved the surprise element of who the villain actually is in this drama.  But I felt like his story was pretty weak overall.  We do see him lurking a bit here and there throughout the beginning stages of the story, but there just wasn’t much development to his character.  It was hard to even feel sorry for Chan Hee because he always seemed kind of creepy.  Even though, there is an obvious difference between Chan Hee, the lonely outcast, and Chan Yeong the psychopath in training.  I feel like getting to know Chan Hee better would have made his story much more powerful. 

Too Complex

There is no denying that this drama gets very complicated.  The time loop will definitely challenge your mental processes and leave you feeling pretty overwhelmed at times.  For the most part, Jun Hee and Min Ju’s roles are clearly defined and easy to keep straight.  It’s really Si Heon’s story that becomes so confusing.  Trying  to designate which parts were Yeon Jun and which were actually Si Heon could make your mind melt into a puddle of incomprehensive goo.  And delving in too deep just seems to accentuate questions and plot holes.  I think those who enjoy this drama need to be able to turn off their brains and just flow with the story, without analyzing it too much.  

A Time Called You - Full Review

The Ending

 

There is a lot that goes into the ending of “A Time Called You”.  But when all is said and done, we get the open-ended, fresh start happy ending that is so common for time travel dramas.  Jun Hee figures out who the killer is, and chases Chan Yeong back through time to save Min Ju.  And Min Ju doesn’t make it easy, since she feels like being murdered is the only thing that will make her popular.  But June Hee steps in at the last minute, and together she and In Kyu save Min Ju from killing herself.  Jun Hee realizes that the only way to put everything back to its proper place is for her to destroy the tape player and sever the tie between her in the present and Min Ju in 1998.  But she spends one final day with Si Heon.  As the sun sets, the couple stand together, and as In Kyu destroys the tape and player, they disintegrate into ash.  But in the last moments, Si Heon promises to find her somehow.  Jun Hee wakes up back in the present, as all the memories of she and Yeon Jun disapper.  Back in 1998, we see In Kyu still pining after Min Ju, as Si Heon begs him to just ask her out.  I think this couple will find each other finally, although I wish we could have seen a bit of it.  As they pass the record store and hear “Gather My Tears” Si Heon says he feels like he is forgetting something.  Fast forward to 2011, Si Heon has become a CEO of a comic book company. On his way home, he is on the bus when “Gather My Tears” comes on and he hears a girl start to sing along. He looks at her and it is Jun Hee.  When she gets off at the next stop, Si Heon suddenly jumps off and chases her.  As the two look at each other we see the memory of Si Heon promising to find her.  It’s unclear whether seeing each other has sparked their actual memories or if they have met again as strangers.  But one thing is clear.  Destiny knows no barriers and this couple will still get their happy ending.  

A Time Called You - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

A Time Called You - Unspoiled Review

“A Time Called You” is a time-loop romantic drama.  First off, I have not seen the original Thai version of this show, which many say is much better.  But as a viewer who is new to this story, I found the characters to be interesting and the original approach to time travel dramas intriguing. The acting is well done, and both of the leads get an opportunity to show off their acting chops by playing dual characters.  Unfortunately, there are times when the story is far more complicated than necessary, which leaves plenty of room for plot holes and inconsistencies. So, if you are looking for tight plots and seamless time lines, this one is likely to frustrate you.  But if you are willing to muddle through the confusing who-is-who elements, the drama is a delightful tale of love and destiny.  I give “A Time Called You” an 8 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 – Full Review

Kdrama and Ramen

For the love of all things Kdrama

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Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 – Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 – Full Review

 

Welcome to  Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 – Full Review.   A nine-tailed fox goes back to the year 1938 to retrieve an important magic artifact.  If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938

Aired: May 6 – June 11, 2023

# of Episodes:  12

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Starring:  Lee Dong Wook and Kim So Yeon

Tale of the nine-Tailed 1938

The Story

 

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

A handsome gumiho mountain god is sent back in time to retreat a precious magical stone and bring it back to the present for safe keeping.  Along his journey, he will be reunited with many familiar faces, including his 2 childhood best friends and his younger brother.  But he isn’t the only one who wants the stone.  He will encounter powerful enemies and try to recruit trusted allies in his task, so that he can safely return home to the present and to the wife that he has promised to love until the end of their days.  

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review
Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

Lee Dong Wook as Lee Yeon

After living decades just passing the time away, Lee Yeon is finally happy living as a devoted husband in the present.  But when the magical guardian stone is stolen, Taluipa sends him back to the year 1938 to retrieve it.  Now stuck in the past, Yeon is given the opportunity to spend more time with his brother Rang, who sacrificed his own life to save Yeon.  He also meets up with his childhood best friends.  But their reunion becomes complicated when Yeon discovers that Moo Young was the man in the red and white mask who stole the stone in the first place.  And now that he is back in 1938, he will meet other evil spirits who also want to steal the guardian stone for themselves.  And Yeon’s time is limited because if he doesn’t make it back before the lunar eclipse, he will stuck in the past forever and never see his wife again.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

Lee Yeon is a loyal and devoted friend, husband, and brother.  He is also egotistical and stubborn.  His inability to give up on any of the people that he cares about is one of the things that makes him such a charming character.  And years of loneliness has taught him the value of relationships and companionship.  Lee Dong Wook has brought this wonderful character to life.  His ability to carry scenes with his charismatic acting skills is the crux of this series.  I love seeing him in this role, and his interactions with his castmates are something I always look forward to.  

Kim So Yeon as Ryu Hong Joo

Ryu Hong Joo is Yeon’s childhood friend.  At one time she was the guardian spirit of the western mountain. In 1938, she runs the best high-end restaurant in the area.  She has always had a crush on Yeon, and when she hear that he is in town, she is determined to finally win his heart.  But she soon finds herself caught in the middle of a fight between Yeon and her other childhood friend, Moo Young.  And her best solution seems to be stealing the ancient treasures for herself and getting away before either of them has any idea.  But Yeon has other plans for their powerful trio, and he hopes to use Hong Joo to his advantage, so he can get back to the present on time and go back to his normal life.  

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

Hong Joo is bold and powerful.  But she also has a soft, protective heart.  As a child, that need to protect extended to Yeon and Moo Young.  But now it encompasses all the girls who work and live with her, as well as her loyal bodyguard, Jae Yoo.  The addition of Hong Joo to this season was absolutely brilliant.  Her character is fiery and outspoken.  And there is just enough romantic tension on her part to make up for Yeon’s lack of an onscreen love interest.  I loved Kim So Yeon in this part.  She is a pleasure to watch and I love seeing her strong female charisma.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review
Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

Kim Bum as Lee Rang

Lee Rang is Yeon’s half brother, which also makes him half nine-tailed fox and half human.  In 2020, Rang sacrificed his own life to save Yeon.  So getting to see Rang in 2020 is a highlight for Yeon, who has never stopped trying to find a way to bring him back.  In 1938, Rang is operating as the boss of a ring of thieves.  He also meets a half-blood mermaid at a local nightclub.  When she falls instantly in love with him, Rang feels that he has finally met a kindred spirit.  And since nine-tailed foxes only love 1 women in their lifetimes, he takes their connection very seriously.  

Ryu Kyung Soo as Cheon Moo Young

Cheon Moo Young was Yeon’s other childhood friend and mountain god.  But when Yeon kills Moo Young’s older brother, Moo Young vows revenge on his old friend.  It is his stealing of the guardian stone that lures Yeon back to 1938 in the first place.  Moo Young has always had a crush on Hong Joo, but she only saw Yeon.  Now that they are all back together, Moo Young is hoping to show Hong Joo his sincere feelings for her.  

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review
Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

Hwang Hee as Gu Shin Joo

Like Yeon, Gu Shin Joo is a mythical fox.  The pair met and became fast friends.  When Yeon is called back into the past, he brings Shin Joo as backup.  Initially they get separated, but luckily Shin Joo finds his way back to Yeon. But his biggest shock in 1938 comes when he meets a daring young journalist who looks exactly like his wife in 2020.

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Relationships

Ultimately this drama is driven by the fun characters and their chaotic energy.  It gives us romance, family, and friendship backed by witty dialogue and touching interactions.  And many of these characters get a chance to shine as we learn their strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.  Whether you love Rang’s innocent bravado, Hong Joo’s spicy determination, Yeon’s sly “foxness” or any of the other interesting counterparts, it is the characters that keep us coming back to this drama.  And the endless onscreen combinations are always enntertaining.

 ♥ Myths

This drama really pulled out an endless amount of myths and legendary figures, both Korean and Japanese.  I always enjoy learning about new myths that I have never heard of, so I really enjoyed this element of the series.  In the original drama, I heard people complaining about how the lead was more like an ordinary man than a mythological character. But I felt like in this second installment, we are never allowed to forget that all of these characters hold some magical powers that make their situations unique and interesting.

♥ Humor

For me, the touches of humor in this drama were perfectly delivered.  It’s hard to pick a favorite moment, although I did especially love the “Three Men and a Baby” routine.  I found myself continually giggling because of their crazy antics.  And while it could have been cheesy in the hands of lesser writers and actors, it never got old for me.  I think the decison to move away from a heavier romantic theme in favor of more fun moments was one of the things that made this prequel so much more enjoyable for me.  

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Past/Present Connection

I found the whole disregard for the past timeline and how changes to the past may effect the present to be kind of strange in this drama.  Many of these characters, such as Rang, are characters we have met and feel like we know.  So how do you explain the fact that he had already met the love of his life by 2020 when we first met him.  And how does Eun Ho fit into the present day story?  Is Yoo Ri a reincarnation of her or are they just mysterious doppelgangers?  And if the 1938 Yeon is now hanging out with Moo Young, than he shouldn’t have any need to travel back in time in the present.  The whole timeline concept is just kind of a mess.  

Moo Young’s Brother

This whole time travel scenario starts because of Moo Young’s plan to get revenge on Yeon and revive his dead brother.  But the whole brother story kind of gets buried in the fight with countless villains and mini-villains.  It seemed strange that when the moment actually came and Moo Young found out it wasn’t his brother that he revived, he just kind of dropped it without ever looking back.  I’m pretty sure the writers are saving the original mountain god story for a Part 3. But that doesn’t change the fact that Moo Young technically lost his brother a second time. But he doesn’t even seem to mourn his loss. And why does he suddenly decide to just forgive Yeon for his part in his brother’s death?

Weak Villains

This drama gave us a steady stream of villains.  But the one thing they all had in common was that when push came to shove, they were all pretty easy to beat.  Their powers felt wildly inconsistent.  They would seem almost unbeatable for a time and then some magic switch would flip and they would be taken out without much fanfare.  Even Satori and Ryuhei, who were supposed to be legendarily unstoppable, both went down with a quiet whimper.  Given the build up for these showdowns, I just expected more nail-biting suspense.  

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

The Ending

 

“Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938” gives us plenty of happy endings.  Yeon gets the guardian stone and races back to the door to the present just in time, as a nervous Taluipa paces nearby.  After pausing for a final, emotional goodbye with Rang, he and Shin Joo hop back into the present and all is well in both the past and the present.  A follow up scene gives us an update into life in 1938 after Yeon’s visit.  Hong Joo has gone back to running the restaurant, and her employees worry that she is drowning her sorrows in food.  Moo Young has decided to become the person Hong Joo always saw him as, by practicing medicine as a traveling doctor among the poor of the city.  Later we see the 1938 version of Yeon, flanked by his best friends, Moo Young and Hong Joo, as they fight against the Japanese who are threatening their city.  And in the present, we see Yeon finally meeting up with Ji Ah.  The couple embrace under his umbrella.  The fox is home with his one true love.  

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 - Unspoiled Review

“Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938” is a fantasy drama with large doses of humor and a bit of romance and mystery.  For those who may be wondering, while this is technically a prequel, I don’t think it is absolutely necessary to have seen the original to enjoy this drama.  The holes are filled in enough for you to get the general idea.  I am in the minority in saying that I didn’t love the original “Tale of the Nine-Tailed” series.  But I do not seem alone in saying that this sequel was definitely better than it’s predecessor.  The strength in this drama lies in the interesting characters and their often comedic interactions.  The abundance of mythological figures and fables are intriguing and unique.  Unfortunately, while the characters are memorable and the collage of mini-plots is fun to watch, the series lacked any real cohesive plot.  I was often left wondering where the story was supposed to be going.  But the themes of love, friendship, and family are heartwarming and it has plenty of laughter along the way.  I give “Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938” an 8 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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King the Land – Full Review

Kdrama and Ramen

For the love of all things Kdrama

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King the Land – Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

King the Land – Full Review

 

Welcome to  King the Land – Full Review.   A prickly hotel chaebol falls for one of his employees, but she is more interested in a man’s integrity than his pocketbook.  If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

King the Land

Aired: June 17 – August 6, 2023

# of Episodes:  16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Starring:  Lee Jun Ho and Im Yoon Ah

King the Land - Unspoiled Review

The Story

 

King the Land - Full Review

A young woman gets her dream job working for King Hotels.  Her cheerful disposition and her passion for the job and the guests they serve gains her recognition as the hotel’s top employee for 2 years running.  But when she meets the handsome new General Manager, who also happens to be the son of the Chairman of King Group, she immediately ends up on his bad side.  His prickly attitude and general distrust make it hard to get close to him.  But as he spends time working with her and gets to know her better, he begins to grow both personally and professionally.

King the Land - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

King the Land - Full Review
King the Land - Full Review

Lee Jun Ho as Gu Won

After years of studying abroad, Gu Won comes home to start working in the family’s hotel and to try to find out the truth about why his mother left him.  But his role in the family is challenged by a jealous step sister who has no intention of sharing any of the wealth and power she has gathered while he has been away. Won refuses to give up, and pushes his way into the General Manager position at King Hotel.  He is immediately irritated by the fake smiles and false cheerfulness of his eager staff.  But one employee, Sa Rang, begins to teach him the ins and outs of hotel service. And her sincere devotion and kindness help Won to see that not every smile is insincere and not every act of kindness has an ulterior motive.  

King the Land - Full Review

Gu Won was abandoned by his mother when he was very young.  After that, he avoided getting close to people and distrusted everyone.  He especially hates fake smiles and forced cheerfulness.  But when he meets Sa Rang, he learns that a true smile from the heart is a special gift that should never be taken for granted.  Lee Jun Ho has become such a great actor.  This role is not overly complex, but he handled it with a charming ease that made you fall in love with his prickly personality and his distrustful tendencies.  

Im Yoon Ah as Cheon Sa Rang

Cheon Sa Rang has worked hard to gain respect and praise at her job working at King Hotel.  As the top employee, she has risen up the ranks.  And recently, she became an elite server in the hotel’s VIP lounge, which is a huge honor.  But when she accidentally gets on the bad side of her new boss, the grumpy General Manager Gu, she fears that her job may actually be on the line.  And when their roles as GM and top employee continually throw them into situations where they are forced to work together, she becomes determined to show him her best professional skills.  And as she gets to know him, she finds that his rough exterior is really just a defense against his own insecurities and past traumas.  

King the Land - Full Review

Cheon Sa Rang is optimistic and bright.  Her dream to work in a hotel started when she visited one with her parents, before they passed away.  That sentimental memory frames her feelings about her job and her ability to apreciate it, even on the most challenging of days.  And most often, her attitude wins the hearts of her guests.  Im Yoon Ah has continued to grow as an actress and I enjoyed her in this role.  This kind of heartfelt, sincere character fits her perfectly.  And while the plot of this drama wasn’t particularly deep, Sa Rang does show us some character growth that gave Im Yoon Ah a chance to shine.

King the Land - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

King the Land - Full Review
King the Land - Full Review

Go Won Hee as Oh Pyung Hwa

Oh Pyung Hwa is Sa Rang’s long time friend and roommate.  She also works for King Group as a flight attendent.  But she has recently become discouraged as she has watched her younger co-workers continue to climb the job ladder and pass her by.  Pyung Hwa is also challenged by a secret from her past and the unwelcome advances of a certain flight crew member.  And when the handsome new flight attendent comes to her rescue and begins to show an interest in her, she isn’t sure she should let herself fall for him.  Lucky for her, he isn’t easily discouraged.  

Kim Ga Eun as Kang Da Eul

Kang Da Eul is Sa Rang’s other best friend.  She is married and has a young daughter.  She works for King Group in their duty-free gift shop.  As a wife and mother, she has her hands full between the stress and pressure of her job and the endless demands of her husband and his family.  But when she finds out that her husband has been lying to her about his own job, she is determined to put things back in their proper place.

King the Land - Full Review
King the Land - Full Review

Ahn Se Ha as No Sang Sik

No Sang Sik was an entry-level intern when he met Gu Won.  Not knowing Won’s true identity, Sang Sik tried to befriend him.  When Won walks away from that job, he brings Sang Sik with him as his personal assistant, and the pair have been together ever since.  Whether Won was living in Europe or home in Korea, Sang Sik has stayed by his side as a loyal assistant.  

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Skinship

Even before going into this drama, everyone knew that these leads had chemistry steaming off the screen.  And the drama did an excellent job of using that chemistry to give us lots of sweet and steamy scenes.  A couple that was less natural together would have never pulled off these roles.  But Lee Jun Ho and Im Yoon Ah are perfect together, and their flawless interactions made this drama the success that it was.  

 ♥ Genre Classic

I always like it when a drama commits fully to whatever style they choose.  In this case, the writers never veer from the stereotypical rom-com.  This series is full of ridiculous tropes, exaggerated over-acting, and predictable characters and villains.  It’s all about love and friendship and the joys and misunderstandings that come with those kinds of relationships.  I know this kind of cookie cutter story doesn’t appeal to everyone, but I think most rom-com fans were happy with the outcome.  

♥ Service Workers

I really appreciated the way this drama gave us insight into the life of a customer service worker and the abuses they are often subjected to by both customers and supervisors. It’s not that most of us are unaware of the huge lifestyle difference between the financially wealthy and the everyday worker, but it was nice that this show brought it to the forefront, instead of just idolizing the luxury and privilege of the wealthy.  

King the Land - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Mom Story

When Won first comes home to Korea it is hinted that his main reason for coming home is to find out the truth about his mom.  But for a thing that is supposed to be his driving force, the story is often lost amidst all of the other stuff.  And even when he does finally find her, it seems a bit anti-climatic.  It’s not that there is anything wrong with the scene where he finally meets her, but I would have expected a bit more follow up as to their relationship and his mom’s story.   

Da Eul

I felt like Pyung Hwa as the roommate and single friend got such a better story than Da Eul.  There was potential with her in-law struggles, her husband’s lies, and her relationship with her daughter.  But all of these elements seemed to get thrown in randomly without any real story development.  Da Eul was a strong character that never got a chance to really shine through her story.  I wish they had given her and her family a bit more screen time.  

More Nephew

I really loved watching Won and Sa Rang with Ji Hu.  For Won, Ji Hu’s character gives the perfect opportunity for him to reflect on his own upbringing and heal through his positive relationship with his nephew.  Ji Hu also offers a kind of bridge between Won and Hwa Ran that may have been impossible any other way.  For these reasons, I wish they had spent a little more time telling his story and showing us more of his healing journey.  

King the Land - Full Review

The Ending

 

“King the Land” gives us happy endings all around.  First, even though Hwa Ran is kind of the villain and she does get kicked out of the family business, Won encourages her to be good to Ji Hu and stop living a lonely life.  This causes Hwa Ran to go after Ji Hu and bring him home, and by the end they both seem happier.  Our loyal friends all get some closure.  First Sang Sik finally gets promoted, and while he fusses about wanting a higher position, he is thrilled with his new role.  Da Eul finally sends her worthless boss packing, so she and her co-workers can do their jobs with peace and integrity.  And Pyung Hwa finally tells off her perverted stalker and accepts Ro Woon’s feelings.  She and Ro Woon start dating and even go to visit his mother’s graveside together.  I definitely hear wedding bells in their future.  Sa Rang quits working at King Hotel and opens her own small, private inn.  Won finally gets his chance to propose, and the drama ends with their wedding.  Won is both relieved and surprised that his father shows up for the ceremony, and we see both of his parents side by side together.  The epilogue ends with one final kiss, as Won tells Sa Rang he doesn’t care if we are all watching.  Cute!

King the Land - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

King the Land - Unspoiled Review

“King the Land” is a cookie cutter classic romantic comedy.  In a day when so many rom-coms are throwing in every genre they possible can, I respect this drama for the decision to stick to the traditional rom-com style.  The bad news for fans is that if you don’t like straight-forward romantic comedies, there really is no point in watching. It is cheesy, cliche, and totally predictable. And there is no mystery, conflict, or dramatic plot twists to grab your attention. But for those of us who like this genre, there is a lot to appreciate.  The cast is great, the love story is sweet, and the lead couple’s chemistry is sizzling.   I give “King the Land” a 9 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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Our Blooming Youth – Full Review

Kdrama and Ramen

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Our Blooming Youth – Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

The Our Blooming Youth – Full Review

 

Welcome to  Our Blooming Youth – Full Review.   A nobelwoman disguises herself as a eunuch to serve the Crown Prince and investigate the mysterious death of her family. If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

Our Blooming Youth

Aired: February 6 – April 11, 2023

# of Episodes:  20

Where to Watch: Hulu

Genre: Historical Romance Drama

Starring:  Park Hyung Sik and Jeon So Nee

The Golden Spoon - Unspoiled Review

The Story

 

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

A young, independent nobelwoman’s life changes radically when her whole family is murdered and she is accused of poisoning them.  She goes into hiding, hoping to find out the truth behind their deaths.  Based on her father’s final words to her, she seeks out the Crown Prince who was her father’s student.  Vowing to keep her safe for the sake of his dead mentor, the Crown Prince allows her to disguise herself as a Eunuch in the service of the Prince.  Now together, the pair are working to find the true killers and clear her name.

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

The Leads

 

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review
Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

Park Hyung Sik as Yi Hwan

Yi Hwan never wanted to be the Crown Prince.  He had a brother who he idolized and loved, who was set to inherit the throne.  But when his brother is poisoned and the whisper in the palace is that Hwan is the one responsible, he suddenly finds himself having to fill his brother’s role.  With enemies all around him, he is threatened with a curse and almost killed by a poison arrow.  But when he meets his teacher’s daughter, who is also accused of murder, he finds someone he can trust and rely on.  The pair find common ground in the desire to solve the mystery of who really killed his beloved mentor.  And as she serves him in the guise of a palace eunuch, he begins to fall in love with her.  But first, he needs to find out who is behind the attacks on him, both physically and mentally.  

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

Yi Hwan has lived his life being told that even his closest friends could betray him.  But when he meets Jae Yi, she teaches him what true loyalty and love is.  Together they build a network of reliable friends who are willing to risk their own lives to keep the Crown Prince safe.  The role of a quiet, insecure Prince is not new to Park Hyung Sik.  He has a quiet gracefulness that fits it well.  I wouldn’t say that this was his best role, but his shy charm goes a long way and I enjoyed watching it.   

Jeon So Nee as Min Jae Yi

Min Jae Yi was engaged and very happy at the prospect of her new role and her handsome future husband.  But when her family is all suddenly poisoned by a dinner she served them, she finds herself alone and wanted for murder. Her father’s final words to her were to save the Crown Prince, so she sets out to find him.  But even after meeting him, he isn’t sure she can be trusted and she can’t just waltz into the palace as a wanted noblewoman.  So she disguises herself as a eunuch for the Crown Prince.  While he still isn’t sure about her, her determination wins the Crown Prince’s approval.  As she spends time working with him, both as his eunuch and as his friend, they find that the case of the Prince’s mysterious curse and the death of her family are definitely connected.  

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

Min Jae Yi is independent and strong willed.  She spent her youth posing as her brother, while she investigated dead bodies and suspicious deaths for her father.  When she meets Hwan, she is confident enough to be direct and honest with him.  This outspokenness is the thing that helps her win his trust and eventually his love.  Jeon So Nee does well in this role, but I wish they had continued to show her strong, independent side.  Her ability to fight and defend herself and her interest in examining dead bodies gives her a quirky, unique personality that gets left by the wayside as this drama progresses.  I would like to have seen her helping Myung Jin do more investigations.  

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review
Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

Yoon Jong Seok as Han Sung On

Han Sung On is Hwan’s best friend and Jae Yi’s fiance, although he doesn’t know the friendly eunuch at the Prince’s side is actually his betrothed.  He is the son of the Left State Councillor and has worked his way up to a Sergeant of the palace.  He is brokenhearted that Jae Yi has been accused of murder and is presumed dead.  But while he is pining away for his lost bride, the Princess is desperately trying to win his heart.  

Lee Tae Sun as Kim Myung Jin 

Kim Myung Jin is the youngest son of the Chief State Minister.  But much to his mother’s disappointment, Myung Jin isn’t interested in political position or power.  He spends his time running his own business as a private investigator and herbologist.  The locals know him as a jack of all trades who solves problems like pest infestations and minor health issues.  Ga Ram comes to him as an assistant, but when he finds out her true identity, his feelings for her become something more than friendly colleagues.  

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review
Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

Pyo Ye Jin as Jang Ga Ram

Jang Ga Ram is Jae Yi’s servant before the pair are forced to go on the run after the family’s deaths.  Now she is posing as a young man who works under Myung Jin as his student and personal assistant.  Thanks to her time with Jae Yi, Ga Ram knows some of the basics of investigation, so she proves to be a useful, worthy assistant to Myung Jin.  And as she sees Myung Jin’s kind and generous heart, she begins to develop romantic feelings for him.  But none of that matters while he still thinks she is just a helpful young man.  

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Quick Reveal

I kind of liked the fact that Hwan finds out who Jae Yi is immediately.  There is no unnecessary build up to the idea that she is a woman disguised as a eunuch.  He knows she is his mentor’s daughter and his best friend’s intended bride.  While everyone else is kept in the dark as to her true identity, it was nice that Hwan knew from the beginning.  I think this also helped establish their trust in each other, as they had to protect her secret.  

 ♥ Triangle Resolution

I was afraid that the only way to resolve the problem of Jae Yi being engaged to Sung On was to have Sung On die.  So I was relieved that by the time he found out that truth, it was obvious to him that Jae Yi loved Hwan.  And that he let her go because it was the right thing to do for all of them.  Rather than wasting time on some blown up competition for Jae Yi’s heart, Sung On bows out quietly and graciously.  I liked the drama free resolution.

♥ Twin

While I picked up on the idea that there must be 2 Tae Gang’s right away, and I was sad that they killed off his brother as soon as they were reunited, I loved the idea that many of the scenes we saw with the Warrior Guardian were actually Tae Gang’s brother.  Before his death, he tells Tae Gang that he was happy when he lived as him.  It brought me some joy to know that he didn’t have to spend his whole life as an unhappy rebel.  Also, I think the fact that he couldn’t help but like Hwan and in the end give his life to defend him, had a lot to do with the affection he was able to see and feel during his time posing as his brother.  

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Prince Myung An

By the end of this drama, I really felt bad for Prince Myung An.  First he finds out he was a pawn used by his own ‘grandfather” to kill his brother, who he loved.  Then he loses his other siblings when it is revealed that he isn’t the King’s son at all.  And once his mother goes crazy, he is left all alone and sent to live outside the comfort and luxury of the palace as a commoner.  And to top it all off, the poor kid has grey hair.  It seems like it might have been better for Hwan to keep him close at hand, in case someone tries to dispute his parentage and use him to create political strife.  It just would have been nice for the kid to catch a break somewhere along the way.

The Fish

The fantasy element of the magic fish could have been really interesting.  And the tie in to Byeokcheon gave it a nice place in the overall story arc.  But I didn’t feel like they took enough time to build the story.  In the end it felt out of place with the rest of the drama, as some random fantasy element thrown in haphardly.  Maybe if the curse had proven to be more supernatural, the fish story would have fit better.  But in the end everything else is just political intrigue, and the fish story seems weird and unnecessary.  If they had given us more background about Moo Jin the Monk, the story still might have worked okay, but he was also thrown in without much character development or explanation.  

Han So Eun

As the young lady who almost became the Crown Princess, I wish we had gotten to know a little more about Han So Eun.  Obviously she was never going to become the true Crown Princess, with Jae Yi waiting in the wings.  But it would have been nice if we knew a little about her, so we could at least feel bad when she is murdered.  That whole engagement process and death felt like a waste of plot line that didn’t have enough story to make us care.  

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

The Ending

 

“Our Blooming Youth” delivers a nice happy ending complete with the death and destruction of our evil villains.  The Right State Councillor and his cousin are both sentenced to death for their roles in the Byeokcheon Rebellion and their many other crimes.  And the rest of their supporters are sent quietly into exile.  The Queen is finally overcome with guilt and eats the magic fish eggs that make her crazy.  The people of Byeokcheon are finally able to return home and start rebuilding their town.  And Sung On is appointed as their Governor.  Jae Yi and Ga Ram move into the house that Hwan set up for them.  After the truth comes out about the Queen, the King decides to nurse his broken heart by stepping down from the throne and putting Hwan in his place.  One year later, Myung Jin and Ga Ram have publicly declared their feelings for each other, so their marriage seems to be imminent, even if Myung Jin’s parents have to pretend not to approve and disown him so they can be together.  Jae Yi is teaching as she has always dreamed, but she is waiting for Hwan to come to her so they can be together.  After the royal physicians and servants all declare that Hwan is hopelessly lovesick, he finally shows up at Jae Yi’s door to confess his feelings and propose to her.  And with that, we finally get our happily ever after kiss.  And all is well in the Kingdom!

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

Our Blooming Youth - Full Review

“Our Blooming Youth” is a historical romance with a gender bender element.  It has the usual greedy, power hungry villains and lots of political intrigue.  Many of the plot elements are fairly predictable but it is still fun to watch the story unfold.  This drama kind of rides the line between a serious saguek and a more casual historical rom-com.  Unfortunately, picking a lane may have made the story elements stronger.  There is also a splattering of fantasy that gives the drama a bit of originality, but its very understated. At 20 episodes, the plot moves pretty slowly and the romance is very slow burn. If you enjoy historical dramas, this one has some nice moments and it’s fun to see Park Hyung Sik back in royal garb.  I give “Our Blooming Youth” an 8 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

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The Golden Spoon – Full Review

Kdrama and Ramen

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The Golden Spoon – Full Review

This is a full review and contains

 Spoilers!

The Golden Spoon – Full Review

 

Welcome to  The Golden Spoon – Full Review.   A magic spoon allows a poor high school student to switch lives with the richest kid in his school. If you haven’t watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

The Golden Spoon

Aired: September 23 – November 12, 2022

# of Episodes:  16

Where to Watch: Hulu

Genre: Fantasy Rom-Com

Starring:  Yook Sung Jae and Jung Chae Yeon

The Golden Spoon - Unspoiled Review

The Story

 

The Golden Spoon - Full Review

A high school student from a poor family buys a golden spoon that will allow him to switch lives with anyone his own age.  Although the thought of turning his back on his family troubles him, in the end he chooses to trade lives with his richest classmate.  But he soon discovers that money does not always make your life easier and his new life comes with a whole new set of worries.  But now he has a whole new set of goals that he hopes to achieve in this new life that can help those he loves from his old life.  

The Golden Spoon - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

The Golden Spoon - Full Review
The Golden Spoon - Full Review

Yook Sung Jae as Lee Seung Chun

Lee Seung Chun grew up in a poor family.  Although Seung Chun works part-time to bring in extra money to try to make ends meets, they continue to face endless financial setbacks.  When he meets an old woman who offers to sell him a spoon that will allow him to become rich by trading places with any boy his age, he decides it is his only chance to escape a life of poverty.  Losing his family and the girl he has a crush on is harder than he expects.  But the more he gets a taste of the privileged life of the rich, the harder it is for him to go back to his true place.  

The Golden Spoon - Full Review

Lee Seung Jae has good intentions when he first changes places with Tae Yong.  He secretly begins helping his family and tries to do the right thing even when his new father pressures him to become as cold and heartless as he is.  But over time, we see Seung Jae start to lose touch with the boy he once was.  And he finds out the hard way that those who have a lot still want more.  This was a complex role that allowed Yook Sung Jae to show off lots of character growth.  While I felt like he did a nice job with the role, and the role itself had many facets, I didn’t love this character.  As the hero, I wish that I had liked him better or felt more sympathy for his situation.  

Jung Chae Yeon as Na Joo Hee

Na Joo Hee grew up as the only daughter of a rich father.  But despite her position of privilege, she is generous and hard working. She meets Seung Chun while working part-time at a convenience store, because she likes how it feels to earn money herself.  She falls for him instantly, and the couple begin dating just before Seung Chun decides to use the golden spoon.  At that time, Joo Hee’s father is murdered and she is left alone and broke, after her brother’s take all of her inheritance. Joo Hee is able to make her own way in the world, but she never stops looking for the person responsible for her father’s death.  While Joo Hee and “Seung Chun” (who is really Tae Yong now) remain close friends, she lost any romantic attraction to him once he was not the real Seung Chun anymore.  

The Golden Spoon - Full Review

Na Joo Hee is cheerful and optimistic.  She is also unfailingly loyal, even when she doesn’t know it.  She is the only character in this drama who proves that happiness is possible whether you are rich or poor, and I kind of love her for that.  Unfortunately this unchanging maturity doesn’t give the character much room for development.  And that is too bad, because I feel like Jung Chae Yeon could have handled a bit more complexity in her role.  She ended up more like an object for the lead actors to fight over than a character with her own story to tell.

The Golden Spoon - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

The Golden Spoon - Full Review
The Golden Spoon - Full Review

Lee Jong Won as Hwang Tae Yong

Hwang Tae Yong is the richest boy in school before Seung Chun uses the magic spoon to trade places with him.  While Tae Yong doesn’t remember his life as Tae Yong, he is touched and thankful to find himself as part of a tight-knit family, regardless of their financial struggles.  Once he finds out the truth about who he really is, he is understandably tempted to go back to his original place, but in the end he chooses happiness over money.  

Yeonwoo as Oh Yu Jin

Oh Yu Jin, like Seung Chun, was originally born into a poor family, where she had an abusive father and a fatal illness.  When she is offered a golden spoon, she takes the opportunity without ever looking back.  Now her only goal in life is to hold on to the power and privilege she worked so hard to get in the first place.  Part of that includes marrying Tae Yong for his family’s status.  She starts to have feelings for Seung Chun when he is still himself, but she is overjoyed when he becomes Tae Yong.  

The Golden Spoon - Full Review
The Golden Spoon - Full Review

Choi Won Young as Hwang Hyun Do

Hwang Hyun Do is Tae Yong’s father.  He is a relentless and unsympathetic business man.  He is often frustrated with Tae Yong’s lack of business acumen, but when Seung Chun becomes his son, he is happy to see that he has a dependable heir.  From the very beginning, Hyun Do seems to know that something is happening with Tae Yong.  Later we find out that is because Hyun Do also used a golden spoon to get into the position he now holds.  

Things I Liked

 

 ♥ Tae Yong’s Story

While I love Yook Sung Jae and his role as Seung Chun, I was pleasantly surprised to find how much I loved Tae Yong’s story.  He had found ways to cope with his life as Tae Yong, but his family’s money and prestige never brought him any kind of happiness, the way it did for Seung Chun.  But with the love and companionship of Seung Chun’s parents, we see Tae Yong blossom into a happy, healthy person. And I was thrilled to see that in the end his happiness brought him a measure of success that would be enough to chase away the financial struggles of his family.  When all is said and done, as far as we know, he is the only one who was given a spoon and decided not to use it.  And for that, he is the only lead who gets a straight-forward happy ending.

 ♥ Moon Ki

So I make this confession often, and I’m just happy to know I’m consistant.  I have a thing for bodyguards.  Whether they are in historical dramas or current seems to make no difference,  So I can honestly say that I loved Moon Ki.  I loved how he was there for both versions of Tae Yong without question and yet there is a subtle difference in his interactions with the 2 versions of Tae Yong.  His dependable presence at Tae Yong’s side was always a welcome sight.  And when he was required to pull out the martial arts defense, he did it in convincing style,  And while I would have enjoyed seeing more of his romance with Seung Ah, I was happy to see them together in the end.  

♥ Ending

There is so much that can be said about this ending.  But I was surprised to see the number of people complaining about it online.  I just want to go on the record saying I loved it.  Most importantly, they needed a creative way to make is so Seung Chun isn’t dead, and I would say that was definitely achieved.  I didn’t see that coming!!  Second, so much had happened between Seung Chun and Tae Yong, and Seung Chun had become jaded by his wealth.  In my opinion, he needed a fresh start.  I loved this new version of Seung Chun who feels rich just by watching the sunset.  One detail that I missed the first time around is that when Seung Chun left the house as the gardener, he had the spoon in his back pocket.  And now he is reading Tae Yong’s book and has Joo Hee’s guidance.  Which means if he hasn’t already, he will soon be able to recover his memories by eating with the golden spoon.  

The Golden Spoon - Full Review

Things I Didn’t Like

 

Yu Jin’s Ending

So, I really despised Yu Jin’s character, and I didn’t expect or even want her to get a happy ending, but I kind of liked her together with Jang Goon.  That part of the ending made sense.  But why would she ever let her abusive father back into her life?  Even if she was sending him money this whole time, there is a big difference between financial support and letting someone be a part of your life.  And even more disturbing, what is his plan?  Is he just planning on kidnapping the baby for a ransom? Or is he actually going to sell the baby, so that Yu Jin loses her forever?  Not knowing the outcome of this really bothered me.  

The Spoons

I loved the creative concept of this drama but I did have a couple issues with the spoons themselves.  First of all, what is the motivation of the old woman selling them?  Does she pick her targets? And does she have any sway over their lives once they have used a spoon?  Did she once use one herself?  I just don’t understand her angle.  And second, the fact that by the end of the drama everyone and their dog had their own spoon kind of took away from Seung Chun’s story.  It just seems like it would have been better to keep the magic spoons as something altogether unique and mystical.

Joo Hee in Europe

I’m not sure why they even brought up Joo Hee being expelled in Europe if it wasn’t going to factor into the story at all.  Sure, they use it to show that Joo Hee is brave enough to defend those in need.  But we see this piece of her character in other examples throughout the drama.  At first I thought the experiences of Tae Yong and Joo Hee both facing some kind of trauma while studying abroad might factor into the story.  But the whole story proved to be totally irrelevant.  

The Golden Spoon - Full Review

The Ending

 

“The Golden Spoon” gives us their own twist on a happy ending.   Jung Tae kills himself, and  as revenge, Young Shin helps Sueng Chun get Hyun Do arrested.  From prison, Hyun Do hires one of the staff to poison Seung Chun. Later we see a dead body carried away by EMTs.  Three years later, Yu Jin has married Jang Goon and they have a daughter.  But the final scene of their story shows Yu Jin’s real dad taking the baby as a way to pay back the money he owes.  Tae Yong has become a successful web artist and writer.  He has used his wealth to finally give his mom and sister the home they always wanted.  And Min Ki is there as well, as Seung Ah’s husband.  Hyun Do is out of prison, but Young Shin keeps him drugged and confined to a wheel chair while she takes advantage of his privileged life style.  And lastly, Joo Hee goes to write a story about a famous gardener.  When she meets him, she immediately feels in her heart that he is Seung Chun.  We find out it was actually the gardener who died that night after using his own spoon.  As Seung Chun and Joo Hee enjoy a beautiful sunset, Seung Chun talks about how he understands the hero of Tae Yong’s book, “The Golden Spoon” and wishes that those who loved the hero would recognize him, regardless of his appearance.  It seems that fate has once again brought these two together.

The Golden Spoon - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

The Golden Spoon - Unspoiled Review

“The Golden Spoon” is a fantasy drama that examines the struggles between the rich and the poor and the disadvantages that poverty puts on our lives. As a long-time kdrama fan, I loved this drama for its out-of-the-box approach and its unpredictable plot twists.  The story is creative and complex.  But that complexity can make it confusing at times.  This is one that requires some careful attention, but I found my efforts worthwhile. The cast did a nice job, the villains are thoroughly unlikeable, and the intricate web of family and friend relationships gives the story a rich texture.   I give “The Golden Spoon” a 9 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

See other full reviews here:

A Comprehensive Look at Family By Choice 2024

Explore every aspect of 'Family By Choice' 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.Warning: This review contains major...

A Comprehensive Look at The Judge from Hell 2024

Join us as we dive deep into the thrilling and chilling world of Sweet Home. This review covers Seasons 1-3, providing comprehensive insights and detailed analysis.In "A Comprehensive Look at The Judge from Hell 2024", join us as we dive deep into the dramatic world...

A Comprehensive Look at Love Next Door 2024

Delve into the emotional love story of 'Love Next Door' with this in-depth review. Explore the characters, their stories, and the highlights of this fun historical rom-com.   If you haven't watched this drama yet and would prefer a spoiler-free review, please click on...

A Comprehensive Look at Gyeongseong Creature 1 and 2

Explore every aspect of 'Gyeongseong Creature' 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.Air Date:  December 22, 2023 -...

A Comprehensive Look at No Gain No Love 2024

Explore every aspect of 'No Gain No Love' 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.Warning: This review contains major...

A Comprehensive Look at Good Partner 2024

Join us as we dive deep into the thrilling and chilling world of Sweet Home. This review covers Seasons 1-3, providing comprehensive insights and detailed analysis.In "A Comprehensive Look at Good Partner 2024", join us as we dive deep into the dramatic world of 'Good...

A Comprehensive Look at Knight Flower 2024

Delve into the emotional love story of 'Knight Flower' with this in-depth review. Explore the characters, their stories, and the highlights of this fun historical rom-com.   If you haven't watched this drama yet and would prefer a spoiler-free review, please click on...

A Comprehensive Look at Black Out 2024

Explore every aspect of 'Black Out' 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.Air Date: August 16, - October 4, 2024...

A Comprehensive Look at My Demon 2023

Join us as we dive deep into the thrilling and chilling world of Sweet Home. This review covers Seasons 1-3, providing comprehensive insights and detailed analysis.In "A Comprehensive Look at My Demon 2023", join us as we dive deep into the dramatic world of 'My...

A Complete Look at Romance in the House 2024

Join us as we dive deep into the dramatic world of 'Romance in the House', exploring its plot, character arcs, and unforgettable moments.  If you haven't seen 'Romance in the House' yet and would prefer a spoiler-free summary of the story, please click on the link...

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