Healer (2014)

"The things I like: The sound of the camera shutter he makes, his big hands, smiling eyes and big embrace. Things I don't like: anything and everything that keeps me away from the things I like." - Such a powerful sentence!

Ok, since I always rate drama based on my enjoyment, involment in a story and its characters, plot I couldn't give this drama lower than 10 and I don't regret a single thing. Why?
First to say that I didn't start this drama when the pilot episode aired as I knew right from the start that I won't be able to handle the pain waiting for the next episode. So, I just tried to stay cool and resist it as much as possible. But, when all that crazy hype started on my feeds I just gave up and this drama won me over. The beginning was somewhat slow and so I was like "Ok, I'll continue watching it anyway." But, mamma mia when I got around ep 6 I got totally hooked like almost all of us here. Then, I totally understood all the hype, crazinees, fangirling, so I started doing that things myself too.
As I said before story is not a masterpiece, not something new or 'wow' but it's told in most brilliant and perfect way that you totally have no other choice then just enjoy in its talanted writing and directing. Every character, story started with a slow pace, but slowly got more and more its depth and colour.
What I loved, I mean the loved the most is the characters development. It's rare to see in a drama such a great connection between all of them, their trust, love towards each other may it be a special love for someone or may it be family's, every character was written and portrayed to the perfection. They all somehow slowly gained trust in each other, without any stupid doubts and misunderstandings like we get to see in most kdramas, unfortunately. Yup, I only have praise and one big respect for Song Ji Na and her wonderful brain and talent. She really made on my list one of the most respected and greatest kdrama writers. Now, get back to drama.
Another thing that makes my heart melt, or should I say beat is the great, the most romantic chemistry between Young Shin and Jung Hoo. No second male leads, no misunderstandings, no doubts, just trust and love. And that is the most important thing in a relationship as well in dramas as well in real life. I simply enjoyed in every single romantic scene of them as they had the chemistry right up to my taste. Natural and real. The main song is right written for them, describing their love and longing with a beautiful words. So to sum it up, this is just another plus, another reason why I gave a 10. They moved my heart, really.

Oh the actors. Well, without them this drama wouldn't be possible right? But, you have to choose the right ones for the right drama, right? And they were right. All 3 of them are phenomenal.
Ji Chang Wook, our main hero, known as a Healer is a night errand boy who is taking a job offers for a right sum of money. He never shows his face nor his identity, but when the girl entered in his life, he started to change. He wanted to be more freer, to love, to do things what normal people do. He proved to me that he's not only a handsome and beautiful face, but very talanted young man who will get more and more recognised and respected in a future. He definitely became one of my favorite actors and I think that he totally deserves it. Plus, he's very hot. Hehehe, let me fangirl a little ok? His puppy dog eyes, his puppy and innocent face when he's sleeping, his big shoulders, really a manly one, his voice, hands, body everything is sexy and perfect. Oh, is it getting hot in here?
Park Min Young as Chae Young Shin. Hmm, first let me say that I'm not some fan of her, but I don't hate her either. But, after watching her in this, she's slowly getting my respect. Young Shin is a tabloid reporter who has her own life and problems. She's not just average female lead where her world is all about the main guy and she'll die if they're not together. NO, it's very opposite of that. She's very strong, strong-willed, cheerful young lady who likes to dance, sings and who feels loved by her 'dad' and his gang. She was abandoned when she was young, so she misses mother's love, but despite all that Young Shin is still living to the fullest. When she first met Healer, she got curious in him, but later that curiosity developed into something more... love! Maybe PMY wasn't the best actress for this role, but she made it very believable. Oh, and one more thing, I LOVE this kinds of female leads! She trusted him, believed and never questioned Jung Hoo's decision or choice. And respect to that! ;)
Yoo Ji Tae as Kim Moon Hoo- Man, that guy is the most complex and loveable character EVER. He can be a badass, but at the same time he's the most charming one. He's a reporter who is only playing fairly. His brother has a big secret, which involves Young Shin and Jung Hoo too and he's determined to find out the truth by all means. I loved his character and YJT portayed phenomenally. When he cried, I cried too, when he laughed, I laughed too. So, yes as for two main heros the same goes for him, I lived with these characters.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the most hilarious, coolest Ahjumma EVER. She was the higlight of every single episode and her relationship with Healer was in a coo, but professional way. I waited and waited 'till I finally got what I was looking for all the time from Ji Na. The team work: Healer, Ahjumma, Moon Ho and Young Shin. And then I was like "Yes, I'm completed now!"

I didn't got bored even for a second. Every single episode got me at the edge of my seat and I was just thirsty for more. There is always something happening, so there really was no time to yawn and say "Oh, this is boring, I'll continue later."At least that was a case for me. This may not be the best drama out there, but it sure got my full attention and interest so I'm happy that I get to joined in a long list of those who appreciated this drama. Speaking objectively, I think that this drama deserves a high rating as it has right now and all the hype and craziness were reasonable.

Also the music is really good. My definitely the favorite one is the main song which describes the love between main leads, as I said before. It's been on my ringtone for days hehehehe ;)

I'll definitely, for sure rewatch this drama! It totally deserves it! I laughed, cried, felt happy, sad, angry, got feels while watching this so it's a pure and full 10 from me. I lived with this drama.

Lire davantage

A MUST SEE!
Maybe not the best drama (or maybe not) but the perfect one for me...It's contains all the things I like : action, suspense, romance and comedy.
There wasn't any dull moment when I watched the show. I loved it from the beginning to the end and was never disappointed and even pleasantly surprised by the development of the story.
Thank you so much to the writer, Song Ji Na, who made some of my fantasies comes true and for the perfect cast.
I was already fond of Ji Chang Wook but the character of "Healer" made me fall over heels for this actor (like when Lee Jun Ki owned me after his performance in the drama "Hero" - where Ji Chang Wook played a supporting role!). I didn't know Yoo Ji Tae but now, I have to check his movies! And the hacker Ahjumma was so great.
I liked the chemistry between all the characters! Of course, the OTP was awesome but it wasn't the only relationship that made me enjoys this drama. I liked the relationship between Jeong Hoo and Moon Ho and all the other interactions (Healer-Ahjumma, Moon Ho-Moon Shik). All the characters from the leading to the supporting ones were well written.
What was the most pleasant thing for me is that there is always a moment in the dramas (even if the beginning is great) when the writer "invent" some sort of problems between the OTP which leads to some misunderstanding between the characters but there were none in this one and it was really REFRESHING!
Dont hesitate, just watch and enjoy this drama as much as I did!

Lire davantage

Healer is one of these dramas that started off very strong, made me feel attached and addicted somewhere halfway and then completely uninterested towards the end. Many of these Korean drama series make us feel this way, however, I thought that Healer would be different, based on so many reviews that are urging to watch it.

I started watching this mainly because it's one of the classics + there's Ji Chang Wook in this, how can I say no after I hear this actor's name? I have to admit that, just like in any other Korean drama, the main actor swept me off my feet like always. On the other hand, I didn't like the way that there was sort of a strong character digression of the female lead. What seemed to be a powerful leading lady was actually a weak character. More about the main story, I enjoyed the occasional story slips into the past. They made the drama feel alive in some way. In my opinion, the whole story could've been completed in 16 episodes fully for everyone to understand all of the highlights and main points of this series. But 20 episodes is too much, it felt like many unwanted and irrelevant scenes made it to the screen.

This is another example of the fact that you might not enjoy very loved and highly-rated dramas as much as all of the others. But nevertheless, Healer is one of those dramas that had to be watched since it's a classic, but it's also a drama that I wouldn't rewatch ever again.

Lire davantage

This show had been in my queue for a while to watch, but I kept putting it off for other dramas until one of my new MDL friends recommended it. I was just finishing up another drama and decided to take the plunge. I'm so thankful for that push. This drama hit all the right notes for me. The storyline was fast paced and interesting. It masquerades as an action drama, but there is romance aplenty.
The skinship is adorable between our OTP and they were not stingy with it. (sigh!) The confession scene, as I was promised, was one of the best I've ever seen. And the moments leading up to it were heart-fluttering.
I loved the Eternal Love song which I think was their theme; however, without the backdrop of the story, the song is a little cheesy sounding. The acting was top notch, though. I'm now a fan of both lead actors and hope to see them both in something as awesome as this drama was. They both have the most expressive eyes and cute smiles for days. There are moments that you yell at your tv, but not in a bad way. I just had to warn them! *wink*
The story and characters are very layered and it all unfolds the way it should. I have no criticisms for this drama (unless it's to say that I want MORE. LOL) I will definitely be re-watching this one, as it goes into my top favorite dramas I've watched to date.

Lire davantage

Given K-drama’s reputation for being all about the romance, it’s surprising how rarely I’ve found the main couple to be the star attraction in shows I’ve watched. Healer may not have the most original of plots, but it nails the brave, aching, adorable love story between two lost children that forms its emotional core. It also proves that casting the right actors is often more critical than casting the “best” actors. Whatever Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young may sometimes lack in technique, they more than make up for in heart, chemistry and a willingness to be vulnerable in front of the camera and each other. When they’re together on screen you’ll want to jump up and down, squeal and hug puppies. They’re also surrounded by a marvelous gang of unique, well-written supporting characters (I’m looking at you, Hacker Ahjumma), that you’d enjoy spending well over the allotted twenty hours hanging out with.

On the downside, I do wish the antagonists in the show were as multi-dimensional as the protagonists. The shadowy gang of leering oligarchs plotting EEEEVIL in back rooms felt preordered from central casting, with master plans that were too over-the-top to be really believable. I kept expecting them to start stroking Persian cats or feeding their piranhas. If you’re watching for the action thriller/romance elements, you probably won’t mind, but their cartoonish-ness undermines the credibility of the crusading journalists out to take down corruption strand of the story. It doesn’t diminish the fun, but it does make the show less socially relevant than it would like to be. There is also an odd casualness in the way that all of the characters, both good and bad, roam in and out of each others' lives and lairs with impunity. I guess courage is virtue, but I’m not sure I’d curl up and take a nap in the heart of enemy territory.

This is a show though where the emotional through-lines not the plot mechanics are the real draw, and those deliver with a vengeance. You’ll laugh and cry and smile and fall in love. In an entertainment world full of lots of explosions but few real sparks, that's reason to rejoice.

Lire davantage

I seriously wanted to wait with my review until i completed the drama and i made it ^.^
First of all.. it was sooo hard to wait, because i wanted to watch episode 19 when the ep 20 was out.

This was one of the first dramas that i watched with only a few breaks. It was always so thrilling and exciting. There was never a moment when i thought,"screw it i'm gonna make a break and watch another time" in the middle of the series (because i watch at viki it remembers the scene where you stopped if you didn't knew^^). I was always surprised that the episode was already over , because i was so stucked in the story.

This was one of the best dramas i have ever watched, because it was so .. i don't know how to describe it... but it was different. It didn't have a annoying second lead, because i didn't count Moon Ho as a potential love rival. Also it didn't have many drama clichees like piggyback rides or something. It wasn't really cheesy, neither was it overly sad or something. It was full of action scenes, which i really enjoyed.

When i thought "no you don't..." or "don't go that way...", it managed to surprise me. And I'm really glad that it didn't have the terrible ending like city hunter that I thought it would have.

The soundtrack of Healer was awesome. I enjoyed every song that was in it. But my two favourites where probably "I will protect you" sung by Ji Chang Wook himself and "Because of you" by Just.

This will possibly be one of my top 3 dramas of all time. And i would really really recommend it to those , who haven't watched or consider to watch it.

Lire davantage

Having watched writer Song Ji Na's 90's hit drama Sandglass, Healer first caught my attention when it was announced as a story that shows the lives of the children of the people that lived in the generation Sandglass was set in. Sandglass was a very tragic drama so I was interested in how the lives of the following generation would be affected by that. Thankfully Healer turned out to be brighter and entertaining than Sandglass, which saved me a lot of tears and made it more enjoyable to watch.

The plot of Healer itself was not that original. However, from watching many dramas we've probably all learned that there's not always a need to reinvent the wheel in order to make an exciting drama. What made Healer such a refreshing watch for me is that things weren't dragged out needlessly. The drama had a slow but steady pace, with pieces of the mysterious past being revealed just at the right time. Add to that characters with consistent development who don't suddenly lose the ability to count 1+1 together and don't go around misunderstanding everyone and everything and you get a drama that doesn't leave you feeling frustrated.

I'll admit freely that I had my doubts when Park Min Young was announced as the female lead, but I take all of that back, because she really proved me wrong. I loved her take on Young Shin and think she really grew into the role. Ji Chang Wook stole most people's hearts with good reason; I'm honestly impressed how much he has improved over the years. Yoo Ji Tae was amazing as Moon Ho, despite not getting as much of the spotlight. He nailed his character from the first episode on, you could just see that he was hiding so many emotions beneath the surface even if we as the viewers had no idea yet what his character was really thinking.

Going into the drama I actually didn't expect to care about the romance part that much, but I totally fell in love with this couple. Their moments together were cute, often touching and never felt to me like pure fanservice. Every kiss or other gestures showcased so well what the characters were feeling in that moment and I don't think I've ever watched a drama before where simply holding hands made me feel that much.

Now one (small) complaint to balance out all of my praise for Healer: The ending should have been 5 to 10 minutes longer to wrap things up properly. Only the most important points were explained, but I would have appreciated more details on that and getting to know what exactly happened to all of the awesome supporting characters.

All in all, watching Healer was an exciting ride that had me sitting in front of my computer as soon as the next episode was uploaded and made me wait impatiently for the next Monday to come around. I can't explain just what exactly it was, but all of its parts just fit so well together that it turned out to be an unforgettable drama for me!

Lire davantage

This a drama that leaves me scratching my head as to why so many people love it. Honestly. If I could describe this drama in one word it would inconsistent. From the acting, to the tone, to the story.

I will start with the acting. I initially was reluctant with watching this drama because of PMY. She is not a particularly great actress, but she wasn't bad at all in this drama and she has improved quite a bit since her City Hunter days. Still not anything exceptional but passable.

Ji Chang Wook is a whole different ball park. He is the prime example of inconsistent. When he was good he was so good. There were moments where I was amazed by his ability to transition through his multiple characters in seconds. Although some of his typical reactions, that the main three characters seemed to be victim too, of ridiculously widening their eyes to express shock just had me cringing. JCW biggest failing was his dramatic scenes. He has a tendency to overact and it completely pulled me out of the diegetic space due to the sheer ridiculousness of it.

That being said the supporting actors were amazing in this drama. So damn good. Ajumma, Kim Moon Shik, Myeong Hee, Secretary Oh. Perhaps the best performance for me was the young Moon Shik. Both actors managed to portray the nuances of such a multifaceted character so well.

The storyline was decent but at times unengaging, confusing and boring. It wasn't until the link between Jung Hoo's and the 1981'ers was made that I become truly interested in the overarching plot. I spent a lot of the drama confused about what was actually happening. Why Jung Hoo after a lifetime of not caring about anyone suddenly become interested in his father's past and clearing his name and some sense of newly found moral code because of some girl just didn't cut it. He had been dormant for too long. There was no natural progression. It was arbitrary and random it was much later on in the drama after him and CYS actually getting into a relationship that made it make sense. Heck I didn't even know Kim Moon Shik was part of the broadcast crew until reading the dramabeans review. Perhaps it was my own inattentiveness but there were too many instances where things were glossed over. The focus of the first half of the story just disappeared to never make a reappearance, albeit being linked to the latter half. One minute were talking about red lead the next about live bacteria. We never got a full explanation of what happened with Moon Shik, Omega Holdings. There was too much form- links-in-our-own-mind rather than explicitly showing, that I did not like about this story.

The romance tonally was inconsistent. I expected a lot more maturity for a action drama but sometimes it felt really immature. Especially initial chase of the relationship. Jung Hoo widening his eyes and being shocked because CYS grabbed his hand. I just don't get it. I agree with one part the lack of petty love triangles made this romance all the more enjoyable. Their understanding and trust for each other really made them a great couple (plus the cuddling /dies/). Ep 15 was amazing, rewatch worthy. Overall the romance was good, but could have been executed much better.

Finally the one thing that was consistent and amazing throughout the drama, was the action. The missions Healer went on, his action scenes, his lithe ability to navigate himself in any situation. It had me captivated throughout the drama. The action aspect of this drama was the highlight of it easily. The small subplots were much more interesting than the overall one.

Overall, a good drama, but definitely not worth the hype. Did not have me awed like City Hunter but worth a watch.

Lire davantage

I loved this drama. I thought it will typical story of a hero and his life. But it is very different as every character is important and all are interconnected. Every scene is great and has deeper meaning which we get to know as the show progresses. Its great when a show treats its audience as intelligent people and lets them ponder on why and what happened instead of just pushing its scenes into our minds. And this show gives the story the same way as an intelligent viewer would expect and even more. Please watch it and you will love everything about it. Especially Ji Chang-wook ! he is a revelation to me and now i m sure he can handle any character with ease and connect in a special way with the viewer. Great acting by whole cast and music is another plus !

Lire davantage

Healer was a drama which I didn't have on my to watch list actually, but because of Min Young I thought I should give it a go. & really I didn't regret it. It was perfect.

The first episode already had me. I just had to keep watching this drama.
I loved the main actors and their chemistry, it was so cute and the kisses , you will absolutely love them. You will love the whole love story between these two, I'm sure.

Moreover I really liked the actions scenes , sometimes I had goosebumps.
And the stories about their past was really touching.

So if you like to watch a drama with great actor , a good chemistry between the main actors and with lots of romance and action, you really should watch Healer.
You won't regret it. I promise.

Lire davantage

*wipes tears away, tries to breathe*
I cannot, for the life of me remember the last drama that made me feel so many emotions! This drama was PERFECT. I had purposely started the drama a few days before episode 16 was aired, hoping that id definitely not catch up....but i managed to watch re-watch it all before episode 19 aired T_T the waiting was ever so painful! I'm glad I didnt watch this the day that episode 1 aired, I probably would have lost it by now.

The drama has kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning, literal nail-biting plot lines and twist and turns that I couldnt predict! With comedic parts, fluffy romance, amazing action sequences and a tragic but fulfilling storyline. In the sense that everything came together really nicely, the script was well written, there were no stupid plot lines or misunderstandings between the leads and the other characters which you mightve expected due to our experiences of other kdramas that were dragged out with repeated flashbacks. Instead the Misunderstandings were cleared up well and quickly, therefore the storyline was able to move in a steady pace without dragging anything out unneccesarily.

The fluff, romance and chemistry between the leads was amazing and FELT SO REAL. i couldnt help replaying their scenes as it made me teary eyed and excited to see them together each time! Their chemistry is great, you really feel the love and trust Chae Jin has for Healer and the non-stop full on love he has for her..ahhh it's all just so great. Also the love and relationships you see between all the characters is great, the family interactions, the friendships..just ahhh. i cant put it all into words!

I'm really happy to see that Park Min Young's acting has greatly improved in Healer compared to her previous dramas, and I loved that she took on a different role, one that we hadnt seen her as before.
Ji Chang Wook was, as per usual adorable and so fitting for Healer! I'm so glad he was casted as Healer as I can't honestly imagine anyone else who would fit the job better! I ship these two so HAARRDDD and yes, how i wish they are a real couple too because their characters love felt so real i wonder if there was ever an inkling of realness between them ;)

I loved that there wasn't any boring characters, they were all so unique and you loved each and everyone of them for the way they were...even the villains ;) you'll see what i mean when you see how the good ones annoy the hell out of the villains, if anything thats where some of the comedic moments come in ;)

I think that as with all dramas, don't give up on this on the first episode. It's not exactly slow but you're just getting the feel of the storyline and characters then so watch the full episode and the preview and you will be hooked! Words cannot describe how addicting this drama is! and honestly I'm not sure what to do with myself now...! or what to watch as NOTHING COMPARES. I dont think i'll be anywhere near as obsessed and nothing will live upto it...making me lose interests in the other dramas out there T_T


The OST is so fitting to everything, I liked how they had full english songs and of course Ji Chang Wook released a single too for it! The lyrics in the songs are fitting and no doubt this will be on repeat for me! Even the instrumentals are beautiful, they bring back so many memories!! ahhhh I cant believe its all over!

For me the drama was just flawless, it may be compared to being like the 'superman' storyline but its much much better..!! ahh i cant believe this has finished!!

I would definitely rewatch this, I technically already have whilst waiting for the final 2 episodes to come out...! And even the second time round it was still exciting, even missed the tiny bits every now and then. but watching it the second time felt no different to the first, even though i knew what was going to happen...!

(I rated story as 9.5 as although it was perfect, there were a couple of things I didnt think i got answers to, didnt affect the overall story, shan't spoil it here, I put it in the normal comments section in a spoiler comment if anyone has any ideas!)

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