An Exciting Crime Thriller

How often have we questioned the leniency of the judicial system?

Adapted from the webtoon, “Vigilante” ( 비질란테) written by CRG and starring Nam Joo Hyuk in the lead role, Disney+ latest psychological thriller answers this question and some more. After “The Worst of Evil”, I was expecting another exciting ride and “Vigilante” doesn’t disappoint. It is a rather fast-paced crime thriller that will instantly grab your attention and make you venture a guess about the protagonist’s thoughts. It is indeed a dark sojourn, no prizes for guessing that. Frankly, “Vigilante” represents all those victims who failed to gain justice against their evil perpetrators. It is gusty, violent and likely justified, even though there might be many who can’t accept the brutality extended by the main lead towards various assailants. The main character’s duality and his complex emotions form the gist of this storyline. What I loved about this show is that the script doesn’t shy away from using violence as a viable means to punish outlaws who escape punishments using the loopholes in the judicial system. Nam Joo-hyuk’s uncanny transformation from a romantic hero to an action hero delivering justice is surprising and shocking. The first two episodes project an anti-hero in the making, who hightails as a police academy student on weekdays and as the “Vigilante” on weekends.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/09/vigilante-first-impressions/#more-285

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The Most Amusing & Entertaining Adaptation Ever

Adapted from the webtoon “A Good Day to Be a Dog” (오늘도 사랑스럽개) by Lee Hey (이혜), this is one of those shows that leaves a memorable impression in your minds. MBC’s latest fantasy romcom is a rustic mix of intriguing characters, riveting storyline and a cute dog that you can’t hate. I was actually apprehensive about watching this drama; the only reason to start this show was Cha Eun Woo. Yup, I have been his huge fan since I saw his high school romance, “True Beauty”. “Island Season One & Two” has further cemented my obsession; so here we are. The pilot episodes do a decent job of introducing the characters while neatly weaving the unbelievable yet hilarious fantasy element. Well, you don’t have many dramas where the female protagonist turns into a cutesy dog, do you? Starring alongside Cha Eun Woo is Park Gyu Young; frankly I wasn’t quite enthused about watching her. Her clingy character roles in “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” and “The Devil Judge” were lackluster. So, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch a drama which features her as the main lead. But Park Gyu Young manages to break out of the old mold and turns the tables to play a bubbly character who is equal parts sweet and amusing. The trio is completed by Lee Hyun Woo who recently starred in “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area”. Now, fasten your seatbelts as I take you on this joyride!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/13/a-good-day-to-be-a-dog-first-impressions/

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Quirky Characters With An Intriguing Storyline

I’m not a huge fan of dramas starring pop idols or where the storyline is based on the said idol’s ridiculous antics. I went into this show, expecting absolutely nothing. Surprisingly, despite its weird pacing and underrated performances from the actors, this “Underdog” story does manage to hold your attention. There is something charming about watching a band of misfits as they get together and decide to battle the odds to rewrite history. The show has star studded casting consisting of pop idols Xiumin (EXO), Hyung Won (MONSTA X), Lee Sae On (Produce 101 Season 2) alongside actors Lee Shin Young and Choi Won Myung. The first two episodes do a decent job of setting the premise and introducing the characters. It isn’t rushed, and we are given ample opportunity to explore their personas and current lifestyles.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/20/boss-dol-mart-first-impressions/

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A Revenge Saga With Fantasy Element

Adapted from the webtoon “The Essence of a Perfect Marriage” (완벽한 결혼의 정석) written by Young (영) and Lee Beom Bae (이범배), MBN’s latest makjang on the block is a revenge saga with a fantasy twist. Starring Sung Hoon and Jung Yoo Min in the lead roles alongside an ensemble casting that includes Jin Ji Hee, Kang Shin Hyo, Oh Seung Yun; the show uses the time-tested formula of “Contractual Marriage”. We have a conniving family scheming and plotting against their adopted daughter, a high-handed chaebol heir looking for an escape route from the arranged marriage scenario and a brother-in-law vying for his sister-in-law’s affections; seems like a perfect recipe for disaster, right? What makes this show exciting and spicy is obviously the revenge element; the natural chemistry between Sung Hoon & Jung Yoo Min is so flawless, you can’t help but root for them. Let’s talk about the first two episodes, so you can decide if you want to watch it!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/31/perfect-marriage-revenge-first-impressions/#more-260

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The Best Thriller This Year

Adapted from the novel “Auspicious Pattern Lotus House” (吉祥纹莲花楼) by Teng Ping (藤萍), Mysterious Lotus Casebook was one of the most anticipated releases this year, from the IQIYI flagship. Starring Cheng Yi, Joseph Zeng, Xiao Shun Yao in lead roles, this male centric wuxia drew attention because of its unique storyline and stellar casting. Directed by Guo Hu and Ren Hai Tao, the story focuses on the adventurous life of our main protagonist, Li Xiangyi (Cheng Yi). Once the revered leader of a powerful sect, Xiangyi falls from grace after an eventful battle with his arch nemesis, Di Feisheng (Xiao Shun Yao). Ten years later, he reemerges as a humble physician, Li Lianhua, while cutting all ties with the martial arts world. But as fate wouldn’t have it, his peaceful existence is disturbed when he accidentally gets entangled with Fan Duobing (Joseph Zeng), a rich young master who intends to work as a detective at the Baichuan Court.

Mysterious Lotus Casebook raked in 4 million reservations on the date of its premiere. Audiences were ecstatic with the prominent casting, that includes some big names like Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng. If you are an avid fan of the “Lost Tomb” franchise, then you will probably understand the charm. Both Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng have been a part of this popular franchise; with Cheng Yi playing the lead role Zhang Qi Ling in “The Lost Tomb 2” and Joseph Zeng starred as Wu Xie in “Ultimate Note”. Those who are familiar with this storyline might know that Wu Xie and Zhang Qi Ling are an insanely popular fictional couple (known by their ship name, PingXie). As such, the excitement surrounding this show was high pitched. Cheng Yi was recently in news for his xianxia romance “Immortal Samsara”, while Joseph Zeng was cast in the recent wuxia romance “Heroes”; both being major Youku productions. Joining them on this crusade is Xiao Shun Yao, who is slowly gaining popularity after playing negative roles in “The Blue Whisper” and “Till the End of the Moon”.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/08/19/mysterious-lotus-casebook-series-review-ep-1-to-40/

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A Fantasy Romance Between a Demon & a Heiress

A dangerous yet spicy romance between a devilishly handsome demon & a strong minded chaebol heiress!

The tagline definitely fits the bill as we talk about SBS’s latest fantastical offering, “My Demon”. Starring Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang in the lead roles, this was one of the most anticipated romances of the year and rightly so. While the concept of contract marriages is nothing new in Korean dramas, this show strongly hinges on the “Opposite Poles Attract” premise. The settings are beautiful, cinematography is lush while the CGI effects are mindblowing. It has been a long time since I watched a drama that instantly grabs your attention. Being a huge fan of Song Kang, this drama was on my “Must Watchlist” and I’m glad that it lived up to the expectations. There is something exciting about watching an immortal demon butt heads with a cold hearted heiress. They both have unique personalities which merge well and I’m totally enjoying the joyride. Without further ado, let’s dig deeper into the pilot episodes!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/26/my-demon-first-impressions/

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A Time Slip Romance- A Hit or Miss

Time travel romances seem to be in vogue these days. Starting with “Perfect Marriage Revenge” and “Story of Kunning Palace”, time slip love stories are creating a lot of buzz in both South Korea and China. They are setting a new trend in the fantasy genre and rightly so. MBC’s latest historical “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” joins the ranks, portraying a somber yet heartening tale of lost love and reconciliation. Adapted from the web novel “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐) written by Kim Neo Ul (김너울) and illustrated by B, the show stars Lee Se Young & Bae In Hyuk in lead roles. The show paints a not-so pretty picture of a strong minded woman striving to achieve her goals, while going against the Confucian ideals in the Josean society. Pilot episodes do a decent job of setting the premise and introducing the characters while keeping their personal agenda hidden. The melodrama will most likely proceed with lots of confrontations in the upcoming episodes as we learn about the protagonists and the ensuing battles they will be embroiled in.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/27/the-story-of-parks-marriage-contract-first-impressions/

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The Most Endearing Family Indeed!!

Can “A Prefabricated Family” truly exist together for a long time?

Found family is the base concept in quite a few JTBC dramas; so I wasn’t surprised when I watched the pilot episodes of “Family by Choice”. Starring Hwang In Youp, Jung Chae Yeon, Bae Hyeon Seong in prominent roles, the show is a remake of the popular Chinese melodrama “Go Ahead”. I haven’t watched the original, so I can’t comment on the dynamics between the protagonists there; but “Family by Choice” offers a fresh retrospective on your idea of a family. Do they always have to be blood related or biologically connected? Can a family exist because of the ties they formed overtime? The first two episodes were rather refreshing, and I was quickly swept into this “Slice Of Life”. The pilots don’t offer any romance with our main leads having a tight bond and behaving like close siblings; even though they don’t share the same last name (something that irks the female lead endlessly). They are innocent, sweet and naive, living a sheltered life. Let’s get to know the characters better!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/10/10/family-by-choice-first-impressions/#more-1263

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A Fantasty Thriller with abundant Bromance

Two things seem to be trending these days on the IQIYI platform- wuxia dramas & Zhang Linghe. Following the huge success of his recently ended romance “My Journey to You”, Zhang Linghe is back in the forte with his new mystery thriller “Tiger and Crane”. Definitely another anticipated release this year, fans have been eagerly awaiting the premiere of this show for almost a year. Starring a ginormous cast that includes Jiang Long, Zhang Ling He, Wang Yu Wen, Chen You Wei, Ye Qing, He Lan Dou in lead roles, the drama hinges on the strong bromance between Jiang Long & Zhang Ling He. For those who are still waiting for updates on Zhang Ling He’s BL adaptation “Eternal Faith”, this show can be a consolation of sorts. Set in a fantastical universe where demonologists exist, the show paints a dainty image of the ongoing war between sorcerers and demons. Adapted from Huang Xiaoda’s novel of the same and helmed by popular director, Guo Hu; the drama promises an intriguing battle of wits, power struggles and sorcery.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/05/tiger-and-crane-first-impressions/#more-185

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Not Exactly The Strongest Comeback

The 2017 classic “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” was a sleeper hit simply because of the fantastic chemistry between the main leads Park Bo Young & Park Hyung Sik. It’s quite difficult to come across stories where a female lead and her superpowers are glorified. This edgy fantasy element became the reason for the show’s success. As such, I wasn’t admittedly excited about the new reboot. It may be attributed to the entirely new cast that has no connections to the characters in the prequel. “Strong Girl Namsoon” finally premiered last week. The million dollar question that piques our attention is this- Is the spin-off as well as the prequel? I will answer this question as we analyze the first two episodes and dig deeper into the storyline.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/09/strong-girl-namsoon-first-impressions/

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A Suspense Thriller At Par With the Best

I started this show with zero expectations so it was pleasant surprise and also shocking!

Adapted from the novel “Snow White Must Die” by Nele Neuhaus, the show dives headstrong into two murder cases right off the bat. Before you gather your wits and question the inadequacies in the investigation, our protagonist is sentenced to ten years imprisonment. Starring an ensemble casting which includes Byun Yo Han, Go Jun, Go Bo Gyeol, Kim Bo Ra in lead roles, the show is a crime thriller which is simply egregious. The show circles around the main lead, Go Jeong U. He as someone stuck by circumstantial evidence, doesn’t remember anything about the murders that he supposedly committed; as he was drunk and the psychiatrists tagged his scenario as a “Blackout”. The show leads us through a journey where Go Jeong U retraces the steps through the murders that he was accused of. Shockingly bizarre truths unfold as he discovers that he was betrayed by his near and dear ones, people he trusted implicitly. Let’s dig deeper and learn more about his story!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/10/06/black-out-series-review/#more-1237

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A Small Town Romance With Quirky Characters

JTBC’s latest offering “Welcome to Samdalri” is a decades long saga of friendship, lost love and reconciliation. Starring Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun in the lead roles of Cho Yong Pil & Cho Sam Dal/Cho Eun Hye, the show transverses their journey as they reconnect after eight years of separation. The first thing that I noticed about this show is the scenic beauty. Shot in the backdrop of the beautiful Jeju island, the show banks on the small town life and its busy yet nosy neighborhood. Set in Samdalri (which is native to both Cho Yong Pil & Cho Sam Dal), the drama focuses on their reconciliation as Sam-dal returns to her hometown when her career plummets and she is at her wit’s end. The pilot episodes were pretty decent at introducing the individual characters and their current lives while keeping their past shredded in mystery. There is a lot going on in the backdrop that we are unaware of and these invisible issues have been adversely affecting their relationship for almost a decade. Let’s sit down and dissect the finer details relative to this small town romance!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/12/05/welcome-to-samdalri-first-impressions/

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A Breezy Time Travel Romance

Time travel romances seem to be in trend and joining the foray is tvN’s latest offering “Twinkling Watermelon”. If you are wondering about the title (as I’m), maybe it is a mere connotation to the storyline which sparkles with youthfulness and has varied tones of friendship/love. Starring Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook, Seol In Ah, Shin Eun Soo in the lead roles, the drama premiered to high expectations and certainly it was worth the hype. The first two episodes set up the premise decently while introducing intriguing characters as well as the time travel element which pops up randomly. The storytelling is little out of place and at times without context (when they randomly switch between two timeframes), but the chemistry between the characters is reckoning and it manages to tide over those discrepancies. For now, I’m invested in this drama simply because the storyline is interesting and I’m hoping for some solid character development in the future episodes.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/twinkling-watermelon-first-impressions/

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A Phenomenal Start to an Entertaining Saga

Adapted from the webtoon “Jeong Nyeon” (정년이) written by Seo Irae (서이레) and illustrated by Namon (나몬), this show is a censored adaptation of a sapphic romance!

So, does that mean we are missing out on the love story? Not necessarily, because the show still retains subtle tones of the sapphic version; obviously it is censored, so the overall storytelling is more focused on the main character’s journey to stardom. But that doesn’t diminish the authentic flavors that might exist in the original webtoon. Starring Kim Tae Ri, Shin Ye Eun, Ra Mi Ran, Jung Eun Chae, Kim Yoon Hye in lead roles, the show depicts Jeongnyeon’s rise to becoming a big star. The show has an uncanny resemblance to the Chinese classic “The Winter Begonia”. Leading this star-studded ensemble, Kim Tae Ri transforms into an ordinary Mokpo girl who has no money or education, but has a talent for singing. Her origins seem suspicious because her mother forbids her from singing despite the fact that her voice is heavenly. Despite her mother’s protests, Jeongnyeon heads to Seoul to discover a whole new world and achieve her dreams of making it big!

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/10/14/jeongnyeon-the-star-is-born-first-impressions/#more-1270

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A Historical With A Funny Tone

Rowoon (“Destined with You”) is back onscreen with his next romcom, which happens to be a historical. Starring alongside Cho Yi Hyun, “The Matchmakers” is about two widowers, Shim Jung Woo & Jung Soon Deok, who are pressured by the royal family into marrying three maidens representing the spinster problem in the Joseon dynasty. Both of them have varied personalities, with Jung Soon Deok leading a double life that is closely guarded. The drama relies a lot on the customs and traditions that tied down widows in ancient Joseon. Now, widowers weren’t specifically affected, but Shim Jung Woo suffers because he has a special identity. You can’t question the absurdity of their situations because we are talking about times that were orthodox and fanatical. The first two episodes do a good job of introducing the main characters, as we get a glimpse into their lives. Soon Deok leads an exciting, satisfying one while Jung Wook’s is dull and unfulfilling.

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https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/the-matchmakers-first-impressions/

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