Healer (2014)

This is the first drama I watched in 2015 that made me glad I have started it.

Healer has it all: romance, family drama, dark past, but above all action and suspense. It is able to build tension and release it through sweet and touching moments. Nowadays I am seeing less and less dramas able to do it, so I think you should watch Healer if you want a taste of a quality drama.

If we look at the story, it is well-built. Every episode new clues were revealed and made you wonder. There was an intricate map behind the story, and the writer was good at creating it. The characters were deep, and full of layers. They were stereotypical, but not fully stereotyped.

Each actor gave their best and especially the main leads Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young, made me love their couple really much. They have a lot of chemistry and could pass as lovers, haha! I ship this. Their romance built up at a medium pace with the girl falling for the guy first. Then he also fell for her because his pain had become unbearable and he needed support. He had denied himself a lot of things since he became the Healer, and this time he really found someone and something worth fighting for… Love.

The music was really good. There was a song in english as the main OST, and it stuck in my head because of that. Sometimes it is hard to let a Korean song get in your head because of the language barrier, so I was glad they decided to come closer to foreigners by using a song that everyone would understand and like.

What are you doing, still reading this review? Go and watch Healer! ;D

Lire davantage

I was kinda disappointed by this drama. I did enjoy it. But I started it with high expectations, since everyone was constantly telling me how good it it, and sadly, I really don't see why everyone thinks it's such an incredible drama. I wasn't really into the plot at first, and my excitement sort of dwindled down after a while. I just wasn't able to get invested in it. I wish they had focused more on Young Shin and Jung Hoo's stories because the best part of this drama for me was the romance, it was really sweet. The action scenes were amazing, too. I enjoyed watching Healer's missions, I wish we had gotten to see more of his regular work as a night courier. I liked his interactions with the hacker ahjumma. Overall the story was pretty ok.

The enjoyment for me was mostly in the characters. I really liked Ji Chang Wook's character(in fact I liked him so much that I watched another one of his dramas after I finished Healer) Both Jung Hoo and Bong Soo were precious in every way (even if Bong Soo was just a facade). Park Min Young was great too. Young Shin was a great and dynamic female lead, and I enjoyed every moment she was on screen. Young Shin's dad was the best though. Him and his small gang of ex-convicts. The cast was quite good. What made me keep watching despite my lack of deep investment was Young Shin and Jung Hoo, they were both great individually and together.

The music was very nice. The OSTs were stuck in my head for quite a while. Plus they were in English, so I could sing along. Somehow, they managed to pull off English OSTs without making them sound as cringy as they often do in some kdramas, so kudos for that. The background music was fitting, too.

I don't think I'll watch this again. I rarely rewatch things and this has not given me any reason to consider watching it. (Edit 04/2020: Haha i did end up rewatching it (though i skipped a lot) because I wanted to see Ji Chang Wook again)

Overall I think this was a pretty ok drama, but not really anything special. I'm still a bit disappointed. I thought I was in for something mind-blowing because of all the great reviews on here. Plus it's just my type of drama, action-packed, suspenseful, dramatic... I'm not sure where it went wrong.
Watch it if you feel like it. The romance is wonderful, and the characters are well developed. It's not bad at all, I did enjoy it, but I just see it as another decent drama, not the masterpiece that everyone else seems to see.

Lire davantage

I love Ji Chang Wook so much in empress ki that I want to bang my head for writing this somewhat cynical comment.

hmm.. what to say? I usually don't have high expectations for a drama, nor do i nitpick on every single little thing, because honestly I'm not observant or intelligent enough i guess to see all the plot holes that a drama can possibly have. AND i went into this drama with so much expectation for Ji Chang Wook and Healer after reading so many good reviews of it.
The beginning episodes were really really good and I was intrigued with the whole "healer" concept. It was definitely something new in the k-drama world and the action scenes are breath taking. I have to applaud for the great cinematography and how the actions scenes were choreographed as well as shot. And i mean what can go wrong with seeing JCW in an all black outfit jumping from one building to another.
The main problem that I have with drama is that nothing is completely wrong and nothing is exceptional & earth shattering enough to turn my life upside down. I was hoping for a lasting effect and this drama doesn't give me a BANG. I was hoping and praying to the drama gods that I would see JCW giving me a really cool, unexpected, nicely choreographed climax scene but they never got around to it. Looking back, I feel like the writers failed in the build up of the climax and I have to say that the past background story of the 5 friends really intrigued me at first. I was hoping for a more noir and an unexpected,darker story of the parents because the story focus so heavily on that with all the flashbacks and all. Therefore I was expecting a crazier tale and I just realised that this story is not angsty enough for me unlike cruel city despite its imperfections. I wouldn't mind a few plotholes here and there, whatever you know, but i was hoping to be attached to main story line and I was DEEPLY disappointed by the major revelation of the past. I was also hoping that JCW and PMY past to be somewhat more significant but the writer decided to focus more on the parent's past. and what i get was a super expected revelation that has no plot twist whatsoever.

Sorry to say, the romance part, despite the writers obvious intention of us loving the main OTP and showering us with cute,sweet, scenes and oh don't forget the kissing scene just doesn't feel completely right to me. I can't really pinpoint why because everybody is saying that the chemistry is amazing blahblahblah.. this is exactly what I feel about "you who came from the stars" and trust me healer is even more unsettling because i tried to love the main OTP for JCW. Secondly, I can't help but compare JCW's romance in empress ki and I grew an attachment for their OTP more despite how twisted, crazy, obsessive, borderline sociopath romance it is and the lack of "romantic" scenes. I feel like the OTP in healer is not natural enough despite how hard the actor/actress tried to make it seem natural, get what i mean? It's true that I think that they are cute and perhaps they have some chemistry, a few years back I would like this OTP. However, now I can't help but feel the lack of depth in their romance. Let me put it this way.. it's like how in high school you have to tell someone you love them constantly for them to feel love. I was hoping for a more mature, realistic, multi faceted romance but oh well perhaps this is counted more as an "idol drama". If it's someone else and not JCW who played "healer" i would probably drop it already in the middle.

The writer's intention is so transparent in this drama that makes it seem a bit elementary, whether it is the romance part or the storyline that i thought would be more well developed, with plot twist and depth. I feel like I see more transparency of the writers wanting the viewers to be crazy about the romance especially towards the end. Despite all the sweet & romantic words interchange by the OTP, I just can't feel an attachment or feeling at least their love that i was hoping for. However, both of them are great but just not excellent despite its huge potential in the beginning. Although I would much prefer it if they do an excellent story line and the romance being so-so, or the other way around. Despite all these rants, I appreciate all the writers, producers, and actors/actresses' efforts to make this drama a somewhat enjoyable ride but unfortunately it's just not impactful enough for me :-(

Lire davantage

I don't know how to start this review. I don't give out very many 10's but with Healer its so hard not too. The story is fascinating at first. The characters especially Healer (Ji Chang Wook) is such an intriguing person. Healer Hacker Min Ja (Kim Mi-Kyung) adds to the lovable nature of the show and Healers character. His acting as always is superb. He does a flawless job of going between the meticulous an strong Healer- Jung Hoo and the laughable Bong Sook- which is a false identity he takes on to get closer to our main actress Chae Young Shin (Park Min-Young).

The action scenes are excellent and well thought out. Chang Wook does most of the stunts himself which of course makes it even more impressive. They never try to show any outlandish stunts and everything is reality believable.

The romance is nice because its sweet, there is no love triangle and it makes for a more believable romance story line. That said the romance is definitely there. This is an action romance not just action. So go into it with those expectations. I think they do a really good job at setting that up from the beginning where as in other shows it almost seems tacked on at the end.

The back story that connects all the characters together is well thought out and I was really impressed with how it managed to wrap up. Admittedly I got worried around episode 18 when there were still so many things unanswered.

Over all this drama gets a 10 from me and is strongly recommended especially if you want somthign more than just romance that you can watch with your significant other.

Lire davantage

Well, if you want a series that has

- a complicated yet compelling story that needs patience to be comprehended (that means don't be expecting everything to be served to you in a platter right away)
- well written characters that are not full of cliches who annoy you everytime they open their mouths because you know exactly what they're gonna say
- spying world mixed with journalism
- a good romantic relationship that doesn't have your usual gigantic dose of angst because guess what? the leads DO talk and try to solve their issues together instead of pushing each other away ~cause they love each other too much but they won't tell it so they can hate each other but then love each other again and w/e!!!~ (i've had it with that plot device being recycled everywhere, i'm telling you!) srsly, the relationship on Healer is an important aspect and it was written in a very delicate yet strong way
- intelligent humour scenes
- great OST

well, Healer has an abundance of the above. Honestly, I'm happy I came across a series that rivals the feelings I had when I was watching It's Okay That's Love and I Hear Your Voice- didn't think it was possible but it's an excellent drama- Healer does deserve the great rating it has. The only minor, very minor complaint is that the last episode felt just a tad rushed (apparently there were some issues with the production and had to cut a couple scenes?) but even so, it didn't take away from the entirety of it.

If you don't like much the first episode, wait till the 2nd one you come across in a surreal scene inside the cafe; if you're not sold by that scene, (while I was watching it, I said to myself "yes! now this will be a great series!) then I don't know what to tell you!
Exceptional series from all aspects, definitely rec'd!

Lire davantage

Healerrrrrrr im so sad its ended, i watched it religiously and u repeated the love scenes (ep 15) several times . At first i wasnt bought and i was like whats so great about this show until i got to like ep 3 when the two main start working tog and when moon ho joins them too. The flashbacks helped alot in the making of the story interesting. Healer and moon ho were just eye candy and even the bad guy yoyo he was kinda hot too and the pirate radio crew too. Everything about Ahjumma was interesting from her hair to her crib to her mad hacking skills. each week was so suspenful and now its done.i hope the two date because all the way u could feel their chemistry u would think it was real. the end was perfect, the director used his time wisely and they dint rush it like every drama. They should do a special so we can see what ended up happening to everyone.
Song - the osts were all great, i dont know their names but i love them all

Lire davantage

my first ever review..
i gotta say this drama is one of the best drama in 2015.
i watched it the first ep for the first time and i dropped it (oops my mistake's only watched the first 15min, so i hope you guys learn from my mistake).
but thanks to healer's fans i rewatch these series, and i'm glad i didn't miss this wonderful drama.
i've never been a fan of action or spy drama, but this one made me addicted.

Story :
the whole story was packed beautifully from beginning til ep19, the only pity was the ending...
of course i'm satisfied with all happy ending, but in my opinion it's kinda bit rushed.
i have some questions in my head after watching the ending.
well that's the only reason i give 9.5 for the story.

Acting / cast :
cast is one of the reason this drama hits daebak.
i'm super proud with all these cast, their acting were superb. I've been a fan of JCW since five fingers. Not only hot, he's also one of a great actor, so it's pretty sad he wasn't popular (back then in five fingers), but i'm happy now he gain some recognition. YJT never fails me with his smiles and charming face which fits with his role in this drama. For PMY, i wasn't sure about her before, didn't hate her yet didn't love her either. After finished this drama, i find her quite good. thought she may play the same character as in city hunter. guess i was wrong.
The other thing which surprised me is they don't cast any IDOL.. not idols hater but... sometimes i hate PDs for picking not talented (in acting) idols instead of actors. In this drama i found many new faces that are great in this field. Such as young Moon Shik (i adore him), Oh Gil Han, Seo Joon Seok, they really did great job.

Music :
One of the best drama with great OSTs. my favourite is Tei's What my eyes say. This doesn't mean i don't like the others, i love the other songs. Guess for few days Michael learns to Rock's Eternal Love will stuck in my head.
The songs really fit with the scenes. amazing job for staffs.

Overall :
Amazing series, i'm sad it's over, hope there'll be healer2 xD.
I definitely recommend you all who haven't watched to watch this drama. This drama really worth your 20 hrs.

Lire davantage

When I read reviews, I always like someone who gives both the good and the bad sides of the drama.
Now I'm going to do it, I will give my opinions about this drama.

First of all, I don't want to be overly excited about this drama because I just finished watch it. But after a few days I think about it again and I am still in LOVE with this drama!!

I watched this drama with my fiance and he said that this drama could be ended in 12 episodes if there was no romance involved. He was more interested in the action scenes and the intrigues. On the other side, romance time was the most anticipating scene for me. I love how CYS and SJH bound to each other. Most couples in Korean dramas that I've watched usually are rigid and seems to hold back to touch someone they love. I mean, well, if I love someone I will not be hesitate to touch my lover and making skinship as much as possible. The relationship of the 2 main casts seemed make sense to me and so natural. Probably for some people CYS and SJH are overly attached to each other, but for me it's just normal, that is how we do when we're so in love.

The story was so well-written and the casts were perfectly chosen. I can not picture anyone who can play either CYS or SJH better then Park Min-young and Ji Chang-wook. Anyway, this is my first time watching them on screen and now I have the thirst to watch them again. The thing is, this is their best drama so far, so i can't expect better drama from their past.. T_T

The thing that makes me a little disappointed is the ending. I think that I need some more explanations and previews about how each character live their lives after all of this. Anyway, too much or too little are both no good so I think it was ended with the good proportions. FYI, I watched the last episode more than once because I don't believe its really overrr...

At last but not least is the music. I don't know how many people would agree with me, but I expect some strong and up-beat music for the action scene's background, but most of the time, it's always instrumental music with soft piano and strings. Buutttt, all the OSTs : I LOVE ITT!!! I sync them on my phone and I always have a good memory of the drama when I listened to the OST. The OST that I love the most is "You", I repeated the song like..all the time :D

Well, one amazing drama was over, let's anticipate for another good one. We have to move on guys...(it's hard though)

Lire davantage

** this drama is awesome hmmm can i rate this drama in 20/20 because from episode 1 to 20 this drama never failed me kudos to the writter specially to Park Min young and Ji chang wook i watched this drama in 2 days when i start all that i want is to finish to see what happen becouse the chemistry for both of them is great! I like the plot and the story really good .. So what are you waiting for just watch and ready to be addicted to them becouse when you will start watching this 100% you will never regret it bcoz it worth it .. Believe me...

** the fighting scene is awesome great what should i say to convince all people to whatch this hehehehe Ji Chang Wook is good in figthing scene and he is really cute oppaaaaa...

****the casts is good the young veraion and the adult veraion is also good
*** Ajumma is always good when ever ii watched her in any kinds of drama she really did her job perfect!


**** but im sad you know why? Coz i missed them now thats why i will watch it again heehehehe


*** take not the sound track is good very very good.....

Lire davantage