What's Up? (2011)

If you like romantic drama, this is not the best one.
If you like comedy drama, this is quite funny, but there are more dramas out there that can make you laugh louder.
If you like happily-ever-after-ending drama, this will let you down, don't expect too much.
If you like sad drama, this is not enough to make your tears come out
If you like action drama, you're not supposed to end up here reading the review :p

But,

If you look for different taste of Kdrama,
If you look for great performances,
If you look for beautiful soundtracks,
This is the one that worth to watch!!

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I had been anticipating this drama for well over a year (before viikii became viki.com and almost impossible to watch a lot of shows), and I had hoped and prayed that I wouldn't be disappointed, and I wasn't. To compare this to other "musical" drama's is insane, because unlike most of those drama's this one actually does follow the theme of "musical".

The story, is as it says it is in most story summaries you read.. but what those summaries fail to mention is that it is spectacularly written, its also about human relationships. And the story had, not necessarily side stories/plots, but background and reasoning, that made you go "Oh so that's why" in a few places, loved that..

Each of the "main" characters, are well thought out, including development. The acting is stellar. Straight up, even the character's you don't like, are so well thought out, that you can't be mad at the writers for making them that way. Every character in this drama has his or her place, take one away, and the drama wouldn't be the same. I was really impressed by the acting. I know most people, would start to watch this for Daesung, but don't. That's all I can say, do NOT start watching this for Daesung, I did, and not that I was disappointed with his acting, I wasn't, I just didn't like his character.

Music, well it is about musicals, so of course the music has to be good, and not only was it good, I was very impressed by how good it was in places.

I will re-watch at some point or other... The reason I didn't give this a perfect 10, but a 9 instead was because, all the way up until the ending the writing and so forth or stellar, but the last episode was just so sub-par to me that I couldn't bring myself to give it a perfect 10.

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So.... where to start with this?
The first thing you need to know about this drama (you're reading this probably because you haven't watched it, right?) is that it's very fresh, and different from any other kdrama.
For me the most awesome thing about this drama, and the reason why I'm giving it a 10 it's the story. The writing is superb. Each character exists completely, and it's really human. You can feel all they're feeling.
The story doesn't have any cliché and unlike other "musical" dramas (coughheartstringscough)the musical part is really there. Musical is part of the character's lives so it becomes another character in the drama, making it more beautiful and allowing us to feel.
The acting is quite amazing. The performances that, for me, need to be like high lighted were Oh Man Suk's and Im Joo Eun's. They truly stole the show, and their characters were the best.
The music was for a musical but it had different genre and I must say that the vocal part of the songs were great. I hadn't realized Daesung had such an extraordinary voice until this.
I don't think I'll watch this again because this is the kind of drama that you must watch once to be amazed by it and discovering each character little by little, so I don't think I'll feel as deeply as I feel now about it if I watch it again.
This drama left me with a feeling of change, like I was a different person just by watching it, as if by watching it I was somehow becoming part of the story, so I'm happy to say that this is a drama that I won't forget soon, because it taught me a lot, and it definitely has a special corner in my heart, so I hope that by reading this, you'll also want to have that experience! Go watch it! Oh Man Suk rocks! =)

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This how I would summarize What's up : music, human beings, feelings. In some way, these words are quite the same. A smile comes to my face when I remember the time I spent watching this drama.

What's up is one of this drama that makes me think : "So, I remember now why I keep losing myself in dramaland".
This is not funny, nor this is sad. It's a little bit of everything. It's just about life, and people who struggles to find themselves. This is about learning how to live with each others, how to use your passion to overcome your fears.

I especially cherish this drama, because it made me discover an artist that I now really appreciate, Kang Daesung. Unlike most of the people, I didn't know him before, and it honestly was a huge shock when I heard his voice during the first episode, singing "This is the moment". It made me thirsty for more.
Jo Jung Suk also impressed me a lot. His voice is awesome, and his acting is no joke.

The story and the characters are the strenghts of this drama. For my part, I liked every one of them. They all touched me in different ways. Nobody's completely nice, nor totally bad. They're young adults, and I loved them through this story.
If you're looking for something different, this is for you. Don't give up this drama. Maybe you'll end up loving it like me.

Excuse my english, and don't hesitate anymore : What's up is good. Very good.

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I just finished watching the series 2 minutes ago. All I can say is: OMG!

At first, I was very hesitant to watch the drama since I thought it would be disappointing one. I read lots and lots of reviews about this and they all said it was good. Now, well look at me, i'm writing a review about this already.

This drama may not have the very satisfying or perfect ending but at least we can formulate our own ending.

This drama will make you laugh --- a lot; and cry --- a lot too.

It doesn't have the best romance, the best acting, the best music or whatever but I can say they have the best bonding and will surely touch your hearts. ;)

Watch this drama and you won't regret it.

At first, I was like, "why would they even put Dae Sung in this drama?" Although his character doesn't contribute much to the main idea of the drama, his real personality was shown and thus making the drama more fun.

Park Tae Hee is cute too. Oh Doo Ri will be the next Yoon Eun Hye. Im Joo Hwan (Jang Jae Hun), I will wait for you to finish your service and film WHAT'S UP VOLUME 2! :D

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This show is criminally underrated! To describe it briefly, I would say it is a darker and more mature version of Dream High, with better acting.

Each character is written with a lot of care. We delve deep into their back stories, and I find myself cheering on each one of them, and crying with each one of them. The lessons each character learn are hard but realistic. The show takes you on that journey of growing up.

If there is one thing I dislike about the story, it is the Park Tae Hee character. Yes she's the typical female lead - ditzy but really sweet, cute and talented, but can I just say how annoying I find her. Otherwise, the rest of the cast was just perfect, especially Jo Jung Suk and Im Joo Eun.

The soundtrack is quite unique compared to other dramas - fewer romantic ballads, more fist-pumping songs that make you excited to be young, aspirational and full of dreams.

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This hidden gem is one of the most under-rated dramas in the drama universe. Yes, it is not perfect, yes, you can notice that it has had a little budget, the actors are not the most famous ones... but... it has so much to say and teach, such a big hurricane of emotions... I am in love with all the characters... ALL OF THEM!

The story? It just describes the lives of the most ordinary students who have taken their direction in life... music+acting=musicals... but, is the simple combination I had in mind before watching this still working for me? Guess what - it doesn't, now I am thinking, how could I have been so naive to have thought like that for that long!
As the story progressed, as the students were getting into the world of musicals deeper and deeper, I was studying with them, I was absorbing every word their wise professors were teaching them. I came to know much more, for example that acting is not always the emotions that you make yourself believe you have at the moment, the greatest acting is when you actually feel the way your character would have felt at the moment, and you stop acting and actually feel that way, you cry real tears, you smile a real smile, you really get angry...

In the beginning there are several stories, as every character has an issue to deal with be it a parent related, lack of self esteem, haunting past mistakes, fear of exposure, guilt, cry for freedom... then, as the story goes on, and all this, at the first sight separate people, become closer, share each other's pain, happiness, tears and laughter, the stories become so entangled, that, when one of the issues gets its resolve(not always the perfect one), you breath such a sigh of relief, you could fly...

There are so many moments I would like to complement the actors for making my heart skip a beat, I would end up telling the whole story. There are so many moments I was on verge of tears, just because I felt so overwhelmed and touched... the first time JaeHun sings, the tears in his eyes at the moment, TaeHee's song for him, their first dance, DoSung's battle with himself, with the music in his head, ByungGun's first song heard by the ghost, his second song heard by many, TaeHee's conversations with her father, JaeHun's consideration for her father (actually his photo), his lover for her, Professor SunWoo's 50cent information for TaeHee, his advice to the students (especially the last one about the 'show stopper'), all the students' songs and performances...

As this is a musical drama, there are many songs here, but especially heart clenching peace is called 'With You' performed by TaeHee and ByungGun, I can't stop listening to it... And of course Park Bom's You and I, very artistically inserted here, was a very good addition to the collection. How can I not mention the great covers from famous musicals like 'Jekyll and Hyde', 'Grease', 'Fame', 'Phantom of the Opera'...
My lament is WHY THERE IS NO OST??? How can this happen? *I am really on verge of tears because of this* These is no OST, and I listening to the songs through ripped version directly from the drama...

I will actually not say 'recommended' this time, as I am sure some plot holes, smoothed out ending, and other issues will stop many people from watching this, or liking it, but I loved every moment, and I absolutely did not want it to end...

I hope there is Vol.2...
What's Up? hihi~

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This drama blew me away. When I started watching it I was expecting a carbon copy of Dream High but what I actually got was an amazingly well written story-line, some great acting and an awesome soundtrack.

I'll start with the story-line. Although this drama doesn't have the most creative of story-lines it makes up for it with good pacing, I never felt bored while watching it (Which has happened with other dramas), developed characters, each one makes a visible journey from start to finish and you never question their motives. And the fact the story-line shows off the raw talent of the actors rather than making it too complicated.

The actors are well chosen, especially the females as I always find that some actresses don't pull their weight in dramas. Nobody's lines felt awkward, and there was chemistry between the characters despite there being little romance in this drama.

The soundtrack is what makes this drama go from good to great. I just wish it was available to download. You'll find yourself bobbing along and singing along to most of the songs. Each song is well-placed and none of it seemed forced.

This drama had me in fits of laughter and fits of tears, but in the end I was left with a warm feeling in my heart. If you liked Dream High then I am sure you'll like this drama too. But even if you didn't like Dream High then give it a shot anyway. I think you'll find yourself pleasently surprised.

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I loved Dream High, but this drama is something else. Though the end is still 8 episodes away and the story might get worse but I'm completely fascinated by this drama! You don't get those super-determined hard to find in the real world youngsters here. Characters though somewhat goofy and no-heart-throbs I'd say are quite real and don't develop superpowers or superflaws. And the story unwinds smoothly so far. To be continued.. ^_^
And so it ended. I can not say I was completely satisfied with the ending - too many loose ends and unanswered questions.. But the story proved to be believable and heart warming, keeping me on pins and needles at places and giving good laughs at others. Needless to say that the soundtrack is great..
.. And, Oh my! It seems I fell in love with Daesung! "_"

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After finishing this drama, I must say: WOW!!!!!

I really really really.......loved this drama!!!! And why? There is more than one reason:

1) The story is amazing.
It is about a group of young adults who are studying at the university in a musical department. It is about their past, present and future, about their dreams, relationships and problems. It has a realistic plot. It is a mature version of Dream High, but in my opinion, What's up is much better! The writers here did a great job!


2) The characters.
Each character in this drama is unique, human and real. Each of them has own flaws but also positive aspects. My favourite characters were Oh Doo Ri (Im Ju Eun) and Kim Byung Gun (Jo Jung Suk). Both actors did an amazing job! I loved every scene with them!

I loved Im Ju Eun in Wild Romance but after watching What's Up, I came to like her even more. Her character was just so cool! She was clever, crazy, a bit of a rebel but also nice and talented. I loved how she had one-sided love for her professor.

Jo Jung Suk is one of my favourite actors and he was the reason why I started to watch this drama. I chose well, but did I expect something else from a drama starring Jo Jung Suk? No. His character here was hilarious, pitiful and I was just waiting till he finally showed his voice to the world. Jo Jung Suk is a really good singer and even better actor. You will see that you will love those too.

On the other hand, I really disliked the character of Park Tae Yi. She was so naive and to me, she seemed stupid.


3) The music!!
The music was outstanding! What a shame that I am not able to find the OST anywhere. Everyone sings very well but singing of few of them is just amazing! I was never a really big fan of Big Bang but I have to say that Daesung is a really good singer (however, his acting skills are really low). Jo Jung Suk is also an ace. And I also liked Im Ju Eun's singing. I was also surprised to see here a member of my favourite k-pop group SPICA, Yang Ji Won, whose singing was superb as well.

4) The ending!
I really liked it. Even though I would like to reveal more, I won't. Just watch it yourself, you won't be disappointed. I guarantee it!

5) Jo Jung Suk - he just deserves his own point.

6) Im Ju Eun - so as her.

Right now, I can't come up with more reasons to watch this drama. It is just superb!

And who should watch this drama?

- a music fan
- a fan of Jo Jung Suk
- a k-drama fan
- a person who likes good quality series
- a fan of Rachel from Heirs a.k.a Park Tae Yi
- everyone who wants to watch something realistic
- a person who appreciates good acting
- ...... etc.

I hope that you will enjoy this drama as much as I did!

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I start watching this drama by accident;but I'm glad that happened. I really liked this drama.It teaches so much.One of these things is that you find your way while walking on the road.
The thing I like in this drama is the flow of story.Telling that things could bad & worse-but the dark & cloudy days make colorful rainbows.Hard time is meant to pass.Nothing last forever like their teacher.Sometime we make big mistakes,some we can never erase like Jae Hun thought that he killed Tai Hee's dad.We're even meant to keep secrets of others.You'll totally understand what I'm saying after watching this drama.
The thing I don't like is that this drama was a little long.It should have 16/17 episodes instead of 20.Then I would have loved this drama.
P.S:I love the character of HADES & CHAE YOUNG.

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OH how I love u Dae Sung! I thought this was a rly good story & the acting was pretty good. I love the thought of actors talking about what it means to be an actor. I thought they should have finished up some of the story just a bit more but overall it was pretty good. I rly enjoyed the music, but that is what the drama was about right! I will watch this again just b/c I thought the story was amazing. I am glad I took my Unnie's advice & watched it, but I should have known that 1 of the characters I like was going to die. She always watches dramas where some1 dies. Despite all that, it was rly good & I encourage others to try it. I don't think that any1 would be disappointed.

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