I have finally tackled this Korean classic. Without a gentle push from my sister, I am not sure I would have made it to the Korean version of BOF as quickly as I did. She felt as though I had to watch it since I loved the Japanese one so much, but ultimately I decided to watch it for Lee Minho. Will I compare it to Hana Yori Dango? You betcha !!

STORY:
This story definitely kept me engaged with all the angst, ridiculous scenarios, bromance & sweet moments. I was on the edge of my seat with every cliffhanger acting as though I did not know see this story-line before. That is how great the writers were & I really liked some of the stuff they added from the original story-line to make some of the characters more developed. There was pretty much never a dull moment & it was an entertaining & emotional roller-coaster ride.


ACTING/CHARACTERS: I thought the acting from everyone was well-done with the exception of Gu Hye Seon as Geum Jan Di. Honestly, Jandi is one of the reasons this drama is not rated high. Her actions & the way she talked were so extra. I never really connected emotionally to her character, hence I never really cared for her character. I tolerated her presence for Jun Pyo. I will say the scene where she jumped in the pool to make Jun Pyo remember her was my favorite part.

Lee Minho as Jun Pyo is dreamy & fantastic. He really captured all the emotions he needed to & when he cried I cried. At first as with Dom in Hana Yori Dango, I hated his guts because he was such a jerk. But of course, he won he over after a few episodes because I am a sucker for a lonely, rich guy who has never experienced love & needs it badly. I chose my side (Jun Pyo) when I realized he has been treated like property his whole life & just needed someone to show him what happiness was.


Kim Hyun Joong as Yoon Ji Hoo. You know, I was rooting for Jihoo in about 2 episodes, but when he left to go after the so-called girl he loved my feelings changed as Jandi started developing a connection with Jun Pyo (same thing happened in the Japanese version). Everyone felt sorry for him, but to me he had his chance when she clearly liked him before he left. And, the fact that he still went after her knowing Jun Pyo loved her will always rub me the wrong way no matter what version it is. But, it bothered me more in this version than the Japanese. I guess Jihoo fans got something when she claimed him as her soulmate. Whatever I guess.

Kim Bum as So Yi Jung. Here is where the writers did an amazing job adding original content that worked. Yijung worked his way into my heart before I even knew it, especially with that charming smile. I loved how he & Ga Eul ended up together because they were the couple I rooted for until the end.

ENDING:
I am not sure why, but I felt as though the ending was lukewarm. It was happy, but Idk I do not feel full closure.

MUSIC:
Downloading all the songs... I will always feel nostalgia when I hear it now.

RE-WATCH:
It really depends. I might come back for some of Minho & Bum's parts because they were my two favorites.

BOF vs. Hana Yori Dango: I am sure I will always think Hana Yori Dango is the superior version over all others, but here is a quick comparison.

Jun Pyo = Domojyui. Pretty much equal. I love them so much.
Jandi < Makino. Makino got on my nerves as well, but I will take her over Jandi anytime, anyday !!
Jihoo < Rui. Rui is going to be the best second lead in all the versions. I actually felt sad for him unlike the one in here.
Yijung > Sojiro. I liked the both, but Yijung charming smile stole my heart.
Woobin < Akira. Akira seemed more useful than Woobin.

Jun Pyo/Jandi < Dom/Makino. The best rich girl & poor couple ever.

OVERALL:
It was great !! I would recommend for those who loves drama, angst & Lee Mino ;)