Welcome to Kdrama and Ramen

After winning a music reality show, Wang Joon Hyuk is on top of the world. But it all comes crashing in when his prize money is stolen by the person he trusts the most.  Now, 12 years later, his sister reaches out to him out of the blue to ask for help taking care of his nephew.  When Joon Hyuk learns how difficult life is for them right now, he decides to move in with his sister and try to help her and her son heal from years of abuse and mistreatment.  Along the way he may also be able to find healing for himself and a new lease on life, love and career.

Lee Kyung Hoon as  Min Ji Hoo

After years of abuse, Min Ji Hoo and his mother run away in the middle of the night and start a fresh life in secret, while trying to blend in and not attract too much attention.  When his uncle, who he has never met before, shows up to pick him up at school one day, Ji Hoo immediately puts up emotional walls.  But when it becomes clear that Joon Hyuk intends to stay and help him and his mom, Ji Hoo slowly begins to open up to him. And genetics aren’t the only thing these two share.  They both have a love of music and a silly sense of humor that help them become the best of friends.  But Ji Hoo’s father and grandmother are hovering nearby, and they believe that Ji Hoo’s place is with them, being groomed as the next heir to their family fortune.  

Min Ji Hoo is a young boy who has experienced years of emotional and physical abuse from his father and grandmother.  He suffers from asthma and some psychological issues that leave him lonely and afraid.  Slowly, his bond with his uncle begins to heal his scars and help him grow and move on.  Lee Kyung Hoon is an incredible young actor.  This role is complex and emotionally difficult, and I felt like he handled it all like a pro.  Through his sadness and his joy, I shared in his emotional journey.

Lee Sang Woo as Joo Kyung Il

Joo Kyung Il is a mysterious neighbor who lives in Joon Hee’s new apartment building.  He is a handsome single father, and all the ladies in the building are interested in him.  He has a daughter who is in Ji Hoo’s class at school.  Kyung Il is immediately attracted to Joon Hee, but he has a secret past that could ruin his chance at another relationship.

♥ Young Character Development

I enjoyed this young cast a lot and I was so impressed with how many of them got a chance to show character development.  Child characters don’t tend to get much story development, but each of these young actors changed and matured through the course of the show in realistic and interesting ways.  Se Chan, No Eul, and So Dam all got a chance to stretch their acting wings and I loved getting to watch that.  

 ♥ Kim Yoo Ra

In the beginning, I assumed Hwang Woo Seul Hye was going to play another rich, snotty character.  But I loved how she ended up siding with Joon Hyuk and Joon Hee.  I couldn’t help but giggle at her and Joon Hyuk kneeling in the bushes to exchange information.  And her straightforward honest was so endearing as she became friends with Joon Hee.  This role was really fun and I enjoyed seeing this lighter side to her.  

Kyung Il Murder Plot

Maybe it’s just because I really adore Lee Sang Woo, but I thought the whole “might have murdered his wife” plot was random and unnecessary.  It felt too much like they were trying to stir up a crime thriller story that didn’t fit well with the rest of the plot.  I never, for a minute, believed that it was true, and it was kind of sad that they left him as his own biggest doubter.  

Step Mom

So, this is a small complaint, but what in the world was up with Ji Hoo’s step mother.  First she seemed like just another toadie bowing at the grandmother’s knee but then I actually started to like her when it seemed like she was trying to help Ji Hoo.  But the whole idea that she did it because she loves video games and wanted to create her own character is just weird.  What a random explanation for her character’s motivation.  I didn’t really have enough invested in her to care one way or another, but I still have to say that was a lame role.

“Uncle” really focuses on the main characters for the ending after the time jump, but first there are some brief glimpses into our villains and side characters.  Ji Hoo’s dad takes off with the family fortune and goes off to live his dream in some tropical paradise.  Shin Hwa Ja finally caves under the pressure and seems to have lost her mental capacities.  The maid she fired is the only one who can stand to take care of her.  And Min Ki finally stands up to his mom and tells her he won’t lie for her and he wishes she would just be his mom. I guess I would have liked to see them all pay for the crimes they committed, but it’s good to know they have all paid in some way.  The Momvelies have disbanded and Da Jung leaves her husband and is working at Joon Hee’s doughnut shop.  And Kim Yoo Ra is staying with her husband, but she is the one calling the shots after his near-affair.  Now on to our leads.  After setting it up to seem like Joon Hyuk would die at the end of all this, a time jump shows him alive and well.  He and Hwa Eum are happily married with the little girl they had dreamed of.  Joon Hee and Kyung Il are still together and doing well. A passing reference to No Eul has her taking classes in criminal psychology. And Ji Hoo has become a famous musician, just like he and his uncle had hoped.