Welcome to Kdrama and Ramen

A working woman in her 30’s finds out that she has terminal cancer.  She decides to quit her job, write a bucket list, and take the opportunity to do all the things she never had the time or money for.  On a spontaneous trip to Southern Japan, she meets the handsome son of the CEO for her former company.  He is exactly the kind of man she has always dreamed of falling in love with.  But falling in love now means pulling someone else into her own pain and having to leave him behind.

Lee Dong Wook as  Kang Ji Wook

Kang Ji Wook is the rich son of the chairman at a large travel company.  He is the new director at the company, even though his dad has no confidence in his abilities.  In an attempt to show his skill, and an excuse to escape the office, he goes to Okinawa to check out the tourist spots personally.  He runs into Yeon Jae, and thinks she is his private tour guide.  Instead of clearing up the misunderstand, Yeon Jae uses the opportunity to spend the day with him.  He is drawn to her quirky charm and when he returns home, he finds out she was his employee until recently.  Once he realizes that he has developed feelings for her, he is eager to win her heart.  Little does he know, she is keeping her distance to protect him from her impending death.  

Kang Ji Wook grew up without any real affection, so when he falls for Yeon Jae, he falls quickly and completely.  His feelings for her help him to become a happier and more loving person.  It was fun to see this more natural side of Lee Dong Wook.  He is charming and sensitive, and he shows Ji Wook’s character growth in a realistic way that makes you understand and appreciate him.

Seo Hyo Rim as Im Se Kyung

Im Se Kyung is the woman Ji Wook’s father wants him to marry.  The families have agreed to the match, but neither Se Kyung or Ji Wook are interested.  But when Se Kyung finds out that Ji Wook is interested in Yeon Jae, she suddenly decides she wants him after all.  She does everything she can to corner Ji Wook into a marriage with her.

♥ Doctor Development

Too often, secondary character don’t get enough screen time to really show much character development.  That was not the case with Dr. Chae.  Watching someone he personally cares about go through treatment gives him a much more empathetic perspective on his other patients.  I enjoyed watching his character bloom and grow and his wary friendship with Ji Wook was really fun.  Also, a special shout out to Hee Joo.  She was a bright, adorable character and her subtly chemistry with Eun Suk was very sweet.

 ♥ Tango Lessons

I loved everything about the tango scenes in this drama.  From the crazy class mates and their quirky back stories to the steamy scene between Ji Wook and Yeon Jae.  It was an interesting side theme that delivered a powerful message about healing through art.  And I loved Kim Kwang Gyu and his “double identity”!  Although I wish we could have seen him get together with Veronica.

Im Se Kyung

I wish we could have seen something likeable from Im Se Kyung.  Her character was childish and selfish right up until the very end.  While Eun Suk had such great character development, Se Kyung remained shallow and one dimensional.  I tend to like my villains a little less black and white.  Maybe if it had felt like her feelings became sincere at some point, I might have felt some sympathy for her.  But it just seemed like she was mad about losing to someone she considered beneath her.  

Sexual Accusations

While I enjoyed watching Yeon Jae’s mom find love and get remarried, I felt like the sexual allegations against the teacher kind of came out of nowhere.  If they were going to drop such a big bomb, it seems like there should have been more references to a personal trauma or dark secret.  And the story could have easily just had her mother giving up on her own love for the sake of her daughter.  This is a big issue to drop in without warning and just as quickly blow over.  

As I’ve mentioned, I really like the way they wrapped up this drama, while leaving the real “ending” to our own imaginations.  Yeon Jae’s mom and Dong Myung finally get married and settle into couple life.  Yeon Jae goes back to work temporarily, but then her condition worsens.  Together Yeon Jae and Ji Wook choose to help her ‘live” by trying whatever treatment they can.  At some point later, we see everyone getting gifts from Yeon Jae.  For her mom and Dong Myung, she sends couple shirts, for Hye Won it’s gifts for the baby, for her tango class it’s dance shoes, for the cranky landlord, a stuffed dog, for Se Kyung it’s Wilson’s ring, and for Eun Suk it’s a new doctor’s coat.  Which pretty much catches us up with all the side characters.  Back to our lead couple. they are living happily together in the house Ji Wook bought for them. Eun Suk says it’s a miracle that Yeon Jae has made it this long, and they agree that even though it’s rare, they are sure she will get another.  Back at the house, Yeon Jae looks through her bucket list book, where Ji Wook has crossed off her wish to sleep in the arms of the one she loves, since she does it every night now.  She smiles and turns the pages as she begins to write a new wish on the last page.  She hasn’t given up yet and for now she has time to make more of her wishes come true!