My picks for entertainment ~ suggested movies, TV shows, music, and books ~ so you can enjoy some quality ME time! (ATTN Korean drama addicts! This blog has lots of K-drama love.)
Fans of Jang Hyuk will enjoy this intense action-packed historical period Korean drama series.
Lee Dae-gil
(played by Jang
Hyuk) is the son of a noble family,
who fell in love with Kim Hye-Won (played by Lee
Da-Hae), a slave. Her brother destroyed
his master and everything he owned. He thought he had killed Lee
Dae-gil. The brother destroyed the slave ownership papers and
created a new life for himself and his sister.
Since Lee Dae-gil had lost his family's wealth, he became a slave hunter. Mainly, because he was searching for the woman he loved, assuming that she was still a slave on the run. He would capture slaves, collect the reward, and then help them escape again but this time to freedom. Lee Dae-gil is also hunting for Song Tae-Ha (played byOh Ji-Ho). He has been labeled as a slave but he is a brave and noble warrior who will one day reclaim his honor.
To continue establishing
his reputation and wealth, Hye-Won's brother arranges a marriage for
her. On the day of the wedding, she runs away. She is about to be
attacked by bandits but Tae-Ha rescues her. Their relationship grows
into romance, all the while she believes her first love, Lee Dae-gil,
has died. Eventually, Lee Dae-gil finds her but realizes that she in
now in a loving relationship with the man, the slave, he has been
hunting. From there …. (NO SPOILERS!)
This Korean drama series is based on the webtoon of the same name (literal title: “Fantasy Sonata”). In 'Love Song for Illusion', a crown prince suffers from split personality disorder. He takes a woman as his concubine who plans to kill his father, the king.
“Love
Song for Illusion” begins by telling the story of how Asatae came
to be. “Seven noble families established the nation of Asatae,
and the Yeon family rose to the throne.”
Like
most kingdoms, there are loyal subjects and there are those who are
treacherous and covet the king's throne. Asatae is no different.
Minister Sajo Seung committed treason and usurped the
throne.
Crown
Prince Sajo Hyun is the son of the illegitimate King Sajo
Seung, and suffers from a split personality. The crown prince's
mental illness was triggered by physical and emotional abusive
treatment received from his father. In addition, when the young boy
witnessed the slaughtering of innocent people by his treacherous
overbearing father, it was too much and his mind split. His
alternate personality is named Ak-Hee. That personality is the
“manly man” his father always wanted him to be. His true self is
Sajo Hyun, a man who likes “womanly things” like painting and
dressmaking; the type of man his father despises.
Yeon
Wolwitnessed the deaths of
her father and mother at the hands of Sajo Seung. Since she was the
only living royal descendant to the legitimate throne, he intended to
kill her too. Someone saved her and took her away to raise her
secretly with a new identity. But she never forgot who she was and
fully intended to avenge the murder of his parents. She had grown up
in a home where she knew she was loved. When she grew up and trained
diligently to become an assassin to get revenge by killing
the king. But she can't complete her mission because when she went
into the palace she was drugged. When she wakes up she has no memory
of who she is and is informed that she is the crown prince's
concubine. Should
she stay in the palace or should she leave? She wants to leave and
search to find out her true identity.
The crown prince is also in a
predicament. Sajo Hyun thinks he should allow her to leave. But
Ak-Hee is attracted to her and wants her to stay. Ak-Hee is already
committed to being her man and wants Yeon Wol to commit to being his
woman. Which personality will win? Sajo Hyun or Ak-Hee?
Suppose
Yeon Wol remembers she is the only legitimate living royal descendant
in the Kingdom of Asatae and her plan to kill the king? Suppose by
then, she has fallen in love with either Sajo Hyun or Ak-Hee?
“The Killing Vote”
grabbed the viewer's attention right from the start. You think a
violent crime is taking place. But then you realize that it's an
angry father, Kwon Seok-Joo, going after the man who
violated his child. The justice system let that criminal walk the
streets again. The father took it upon himself to render what he
believed was just punishment. He stabbed the man to death.
Is it
murder or is it justice?
The Killing Vote; released 2023; 12
episodes; Legal Drama, Crime, Thriller
Of course, the father
was sent to prison. In prison, the prisoners show him great respect
and call him Professor Kwon.
But the professor is
not the only one who decided to take justice into their own hands.
Somebody developed an app that allows the people to vote on whether or
not a criminal should be executed. Vote Yes or No. Initially, the
police didn't take it seriously until 84% voted Yes and the criminal
was found dead.
To the police, the
execution is not justice, it's murder. So a special investigations
unit is set up. The unit is headed by Kim Mu-Chan, a
detective who struggles with his conscience. There have been many
times when he felt that he failed to do his duty as an officer
because the criminals he worked to bring to justice were set free.
But he knows you can't just work outside of the justice system and
vote for a person's execution.
Joo Hyun
also understands why. Her co-workers steer clear of her because she
blew the whistle on her team leader. It was a matter of conscience
and the right thing to do. When it comes to cybercrime she has a keen
eye and a talent for tracking the computer activity to its source.
She developed a lead regarding “The Killing Vote” app and took it
straight to the Special Investigations Unit. Because it was such
valuable information she was allowed to become a member of the SIU
(Special Investigations Unit).
How can there be a
fair and equal justice system based on votes that approve murder?
K-Playlist.
“The Killing Vote – Full Trailer | Park Hae-Jin, Lim Ji-Yeon.”
YouTube Video. YouTube,
August 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpg_efJRBJs.
"Deliver Us From Evil" proves that people who live a life of crime can never retire. In-nam performed his last contract killing and then retired; or at least, he wanted to retire. However, a guy named Ray needs help. His sister was kidnapped by a dangerous human trafficking ring and he wants In-nam to help rescue her. In-nam agrees to help Ray, and they go to Thailand.
The two main characters have great onscreen chemistry, and the action sequences are well-choreographed. This film was shot in three (3) locations: South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. "Deliver Us From Evil" was praised because it had awesome action-packed scenes, complicated plot twists, impressive cinematography, and outstanding performances by the actors.
“Hunt” is set in the 1980s, a time when South Korea was experiencing political turmoil and social unrest; and was under the military dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan. Two (2) rival agents of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA), Park Pyong-ho and Kim Jung-do, must capture a North Korean spy known as Donglim. This spy has leaked classified information and plans to assassinate the South Korean president.
Lee Jung-Jae plays Park Pyung-Ho.
The personalities of Park and Kim clash and they have different methods of approaching an investigation. But they set those differences aside because they need to unite to fight the North Korean agents, and the corrupt officials within the KCIA. During the hunt they discover that Donglim is not a single person, but a code name for a network of double spies within the KCIA and other government organizations.
To their amazement, they learn that Donglim's ultimate goal is to expose corruption in South Korea, overthrow the dictatorship, and reunite North and South Korea. Which should they choose? Their country or their conscience? Hunt is based on real historical events and characters, and the film won several awards. As well as playing one of the main characters, the film was also directed by Lee Jung-jae. Where to Watch
RATINGS:
IMDb: 6.7 out of 10 stars; MyDramaList: 7.7 out of 10 stars
“Chief of Staff”, Season 1, introduces Jang Tae-joon, an ambitious political aide with a troubled past, but a charismatic personality. The dark cutthroat world of Korean politics is an intricate web of power and corruption. Nevertheless, Tae-joon rises through the ranks to become the Chief of Staff. Even though he faces constant moral dilemmas and ethical challenges, he is determined in the pursuit of justice and bringing about meaningful change. His personal relationships may or may not be sacrificed.
Lee Jung-Jae plays Jang Tae-joon.
Season 2 carries on with the political intrigue and power struggles. Tae-joon faces new adversaries, discovers secrets, and forms unexpected alliances. There are new characters and relationships evolve. Conspiracies play out that threaten not only their careers but their lives. The scriptwriters for this K-drama series skillfully weave together personal and political storylines. This intense political drama is very thought-provoking.Where to Watch
RATINGS:
IMDb: 7.8 out of 10 stars
MyDramaList: 8 out of 10 stars
Netflix K-Content. “Chief of Staff | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB].” YouTube Video. YouTube, June 21, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl8YMGaQRKI. VIEW TRAILER/TEASER.
"Operation Chromite," a South Korean war epic drama about the historical events surrounding the Battle of Incheon during the Korean War. A South Korean Navy Lieutenant must lead a small troop and carry out the covert "X-ray" operation, which must be successful to carry out "Incheon Landing Operation" also known as Operation Chromite.
Lee Jung-Jae plays a South Korean Navy Lieutenant.
General Douglas MacArthur commanded the operation which took place from September 15 to September 19, 1950. The Korean lieutenant infiltrated the North Korean forces and gathered crucial intelligence. The recreation of these events was accurate according to the historical records. “
Operation Chromite” effectively captures the tension and stakes of the military operation. The portrayal of the characters was very intimate and realistic. Viewers could not help but admire their courage, sacrifice, and their indomitable spirit amid the chaos and danger of war. This film is a respectful tribute to the soldiers who played a key role in shaping the course and outcome of the Korean War.
"Assassination" is set in 1933 during the Japanese occupation of Korea, and involves a group of resistance fighters on a daring mission to assassinate a high-ranking Japanese officer and a Korean collaborator who supports the Japanese forces.
Lee Jung-Jae plays Yeom Seok Jin.
This film is a realistic recreation of the tumultuous atmosphere of 1930s Korea. Characters not only strive to carry out a dangerous and difficult mission but must also be on constant alert for “the enemy within”, i.e. being betrayed by their comrades. The storyline is engaging because of the historical authenticity, suspenseful and clever plot twists, intense action sequences, and the compelling characters who comprise the mission team.
Lee Ja-Sung is an undercover cop for the National Police Agency, and he's right in the middle of it. Having spent years infiltrating the crime organization he has become the right-hand man of the #2 lieutenant. Ja-Sung has to balance himself between playing his role as “one of them” in
the treacherous crime world and performing his duties as a law enforcement officer, without blurring the lines between right and wrong.
This is an excellent Korean crime drama that has intricate storytelling and character-driven narratives. Lee Jung-Jae won the CJ CGV Star Award at the 2013 (33rd) Korean Association of Film Critics Awards.
“The Face Reader” (2013) is an award-winning film. It is set during the Joseon Dynasty in the year 1455. Nae-gyeong can “read faces”, i.e. he uses the age-old art of physiognomy to discern a person’s character and fate by studying their facial features. Nae-gyeong prefers to avoid the palace intrigue and the demands of the royal court. However, there is a royal power struggle going on.
Lee Jung-Jae plays Grand Prince Suyang.
The current king Munjong wants him to identify the potential traitors who threaten his reign. He is summoned to read the face of Grand Prince Suyang, who is vying for the throne. If only, he could not read faces because Nae-gyeong believes the prince is going to plot treason to take the throne. The visually stunning cinematography, along with the costumes and set designs recreate the grandeur of the Joseon Dynasty. The stellar cast convincingly portrays real historical figures and their performances are memorable.
TheMovieChanneI. “The Face Reader — Trailer.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 28, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9YoyvBAMWI. VIEW TRAILER/TEASER.
Lee Jung-Jae is a South Korean actor who has played a wide range of characters ~ good guys and bad guys. Regardless of the overall rating given by viewers, his performances in the movies and TV series that I have watched should be rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Lee Jung-Jae catapulted to international stardom for his role in Netflix’s survival Korean drama series “Squid Game”. But Lee Jung-Jae must surely be on several lists of South Korean Best Actors ~ the best, the most famous, award-winning, etc. His filmography is impressive and dates back to 1993 (before K-dramas were cool).
One more PLUS! In September 2022, Lee Jung-Jae joined the Star Wars Universe. He was cast as the male lead in the Star Wars series “The Acolyte”, set to be released on Disney+ in 2024.
Perfect
Marriage Revenge Could Easily Be Turned Into a Korean Soap Opera That
Could Go On and On and On and …
Perfect Marriage Revenge is a 2023 VIKI Original Korean Drama Series with 16 episodes. The scriptwriters should consider stretching it out to 160 episodes. Loaded with hostile family drama where the relatives dream up ways to plot evil against each other, and then spend their waking hours making their dreams a harsh reality. You pity the children born into their homes because they are raised to carry on with the family traditions of performing acts of malice. Without a doubt, Perfect Marriage Revenge could be the best Kdrama soap opera ever!
“Perfect
Marriage Revenge” is a romance/drama that tells the story of Han
Yi-Joo, a young girl who was adopted into a rich family but
never accepted as a part of the family. Meanwhile, her little sister
is showered with love and spoiled rotten. Yi-Joo is constantly
reminded by her “mother” who adopted her that she is “fake”
and her little sister is “real”. Meaning that she should be
thankful she was adopted and never try to receive all the wealth and
property that should go directly to her little sister. Growing up in
that home was hellish for Han Yi-Joo! Someone even tried to poison
her, but they failed.
Han
Yi-Joo was a gifted artist. No doubt she could use her God-given
talent and create her own wealth. Instead, her mother convinced her
to “copy” the originals of famous artists. Her mother told her
the copied paintings would be donated to orphanages as a charitable
donation. However, she sold them as “originals” to make money.
One day her mother's fraud was exposed. She told Yi-Joo to submit a
false confession and go to jail. Yi-Joo was so upset she jumped in
her car and drove off. Sadly she got into a car accident and almost
died. While hanging between life and death, she prayed for a second
chance. If she could only relive her life she would not make the
same ignorant and foolish mistakes.
Her
prayer was answered. Instead of waking up in a hospital bed,
she woke up in her own bed. When she checked the time she realized
that she had gone back one year in the past. She had been given a
second chance and now had the opportunity to change her past. But she
only had one year to accomplish this. She
overheard her little sister say that she wanted to get married to Seo
Do-Kook, a man who was one of the heirs to Taeja Group, a Korean
conglomerate. Han Yi-Joo made up her mind that getting Seo Do-Kook to
marry her would be the perfect marriage revenge.
MAIN
CHARACTERS:
Han
Yi-Joo (played by Jung Yoo-Min)
Seo
Do-Kook (played by Sung Hoon)
This
Viki Original Korean drama series is based on the webcomic
“Wanbyeokhan Gyeolhonui Jungseok”. But in my opinion, it was the
best soap opera ever!
The Matchmakers is a
2023 Viki Original Korean drama series, with 16 episodes. It is
categorized as historical, romance, crime, and mystery, with light
moments of comedy.
The two main characters are a widow, disguised as
a matchmaker, and a widower who is a prince working as a matchmaker according to a royal decree.
♦ The
Widow and the Not So Merry Widower
Jung Soon-deok
is a widow who becomes a matchmaker by personal choice. She is a
widow, the daughter-in-law of a powerful political party leader. But
she truly believes she is the “goddess of
matchmaking”, i.e. Ssangyeonsulsa. It is not the kind of lowly
work that a noble woman should do, so Jung Soon-deok keeps her
true identity a secret by using the name “Yeo Joo Daek”. She
didn't learn until later that the name she had taken as a disguise,
was the name of a woman who was wanted for murder.
Shim Jung-woo
is a Confucian scholar who scored the highest on the civil service
exams. The king would been pleased if he could put this young man's
intellect and skills to good use. But the leader of a corrupt
political party, arranged for him to be married to the princess. On
the day of the wedding, the princess dropped dead. He became a
widower before he could even consummate the marriage. So now he's a
prince who can not participate in political affairs or serve in any
way other than being a prince, a member of the royal family.
♦ The
King Makes a Promise
The king is furious
and frustrated because he wants his son, the crown prince to marry
and have an heir. But corrupt officials keep finding ways to prevent
the marriage. He tells Shim Jung-woo to can come up with a way to
thwart the efforts of the politicians so that the crown prince can
marry. If he is successful, the king will have his marriage to the
princess annulled.
Shim Jung-woo tells
the king, to get a matchmaker to arrange marriages for the daughters
of his close friend, who had passed away. But the plan was not so
simple. Even if the politicians were not resorting to their
treacherous tricks, the daughters themselves are all refusing to get
married.
♦ The
Widower and the Widow Become a Team
Shim Jung-woo needs
to work with an experienced matchmaker since he knows nothing about
the process. He meets Jung Soon-deok aka “Yeo Joo Daek” who
agrees to assist him as long as he cooperates with her and follows
her directions. He agrees, so now they are The Matchmakers.
The process of
matchmaking is complex, but it gets even more complicated when they
begin to uncover murders connected to political power schemes to
overthrow the king and the crown prince.
On top of all this,
the matchmakers ~ Shim Jung-woo and Jung Soon-deok ~ fall in love
with each other. Theirs is a “match” that would break all of the
rules.
Main
Characters:
Widower
Shim Jung-woo (played by Ro Woon, )
Widow
Jung Soon-deok (played by Cho Yi-hyun)
This
is a Viki Original series and Viki
viewers rate this series 9.4 out of 10 stars.
I agree.There
was the main plot of forbidden love between a widow and a widower; a
relationship that went against Joseon rules, customs, and traditions.
Then
there were various subplots:
Corrupt nobles,
their wives, and the king's concubine, plotting against the king and
the crown prince;
True crime stories
published as erotica novels;
Old maidens (virgin
women in their 20s) who need to get married ~ hence the need for matchmakers; and
a
slingshot!
The
intricate plot-weaving kept me eagerly looking forward to the next
episode.
Treathyl Fox aka Cmoneyspinner – Home Business Entrepreneur. Think. Dream. Focus. Believe in yourself? Hire yourself! Be your own boss! Do it! Self-employed and loving it! ♦ DISCLOSURE: In compliance with FTC rules and guidelines, be advised that some links shared via this websites might contain affiliate referral links which means commissions might be earned if product sales resulted from your click-through to the vendor’s website.
