THE UNJUST (2010) ~ Korean Drama Movie Gem

Netflix suggested Unjust (2010) as a gem and I agree. The IMDb Rating: 6.6 out of 10 stars. But my rating for this movie is 9 out of 10 stars. This movie painted a very realistic picture of unjust acts that corrupt civil servants commit in their official line of duty. It was a chilling eye-opener.

The Unjust is an Intense Crime Drama!

The viewer is immediately drawn into the storyline when it starts with televised news reports about a serial killer on the loose, killing young children and mutilating their bodies. The public is justifiably outraged and wants to know why the police have not yet captured this menace to society. Choi Cheol-Gi is assigned to head up the task force and bring this brutal murderer to justice. But instead of finding the real killer, he picks a guy who has served time in prison for sexual assault against a child and presents him to the public as the culprit. WHY? The public will be relieved, the case will be closed, he will be painted as a HERO, and will finally get that promotion.

Not so fast! Prosecutor Joo-Yang eats and plays golf with a wealthy corrupt businessman. When that businessman is arrested for crimes, the prosecutor bends the law to get the charges dropped. He is not exactly a saint. But when he finds out that Choi Cheol-Gi did not catch the real killer, he makes it his mission to expose him. There's bd blood between the two of them.

The truth is these guys abuse their positions of public trust in order to advance their careers. They're both corrupt and unjust. But one of them is … The Unjust. Which one? 

5 Binge-Worthy Korean Dramas Worth Rewatching

Some Korean dramas are soooooo good, you want to watch them again.  Here are my 5 K-Dramas with episodes to rewatch. **Spoiler alert.**

♦ 1) Tomorrow (2022)

This is a supernatural K-drama series about grim reapers who prevent suicides. I loved the episode about the war hero. His life story made me angry at the way his bravery in battle was disregarded. When it was his time to pass into the afterlife, a legion of grim reapers showed up to escort him and they all saluted him. At the end of the scene I was crying my eyes out.

♦ 2) Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung

This a historical period drama about female historians, who took their jobs just as seriously as their male counterparts. They experienced gender discrimination but overcame it. There was one episode worth rewatching. The king wanted to see the admin records kept by the historians, which is against the law. He sent men to their workplace to take the documents by force if necessary. The men sent by the king and the male historians got into a fistfight. When the female historians saw what was happening, they joined in the fight. It was hilarious! But the historians stood their ground. The king ultimately had to back down.

♦ 3) Mr. Sunshine (2018)

This is a Netflix original series and everything about it is SPECTACULAR! There were several episodes that I liked. But the most memorable scene was when the Korean lady who owned the hotel where the Japanese were staying … BLEW IT UP!! With the Japanese inside, of course.

♦ 4) Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)

The Hwarang are the flower boys of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC–AD 935). Young men chosen from noble families were chosen and trained to be warriors. But they were also trained in the arts, and I might add that they were all “eye candy”. The coolest scene was when the warriors who had been sent as part of a delegation to Baekje to avoid war, had to escape. The Baekje prince wanted war and chased after them with his troops, intending to slaughter them. However, the rest of the Hwarang came to the rescue and the prince had to turn around and go back home. It was so cool!

♦ 5) Dong Yi (2010)

This historical period drama is about the true love story between the king and a lowly water maid. The best episode was when one of the corrupt officials conspired against Dong Yi. He thought that he had the queen in the palm of his hand and could easily manipulate her to do his bidding. But when he showed up at Dong Yi's residence thinking that they would arrest her, they arrested him instead. I was like: “Boo yeah! Take that you dirty rat!”

****

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Captivating the King Will Become One of the Best K-dramas of 2024

“CAPTIVATING THE KING” (2024), K-DRAMA SERIES

March has just begun and 2024 Korean dramas are still being released. Even so, I do not doubt that "Captivating the King" will make many lists as one of the Best K-Dramas of 2024. It may even appear on lists as one of the Best K-Dramas of All Time. From the first episode, as a viewer, I was completely captivated.

This series is historical, set during the Joseon Era, loaded with political intrigue, and it's a love story. The king is suspected of being a homosexual because of his closeness to a baduk (Go) player. However, the baduk player ultimately reveals herself to him and also confesses her love for him.

A man, especially a king, who is surrounded by so many treacherous and traitorous people must have at least one person he can trust and rely on; a confidant who will stay beside him through thick and then, and comfort and love him. The burden the king carries is heavy because, among the people who seek his life, one of them is his one and only kinsman. That kinsmen killed his brother and planned to kill him also. Even worse, his mother, the Queen Dowager, did nothing to stop him, It is indeed a cruel world when your mother won't even try to rescue you.

♦ “Captivating the King” is loosely based on the historical events about the time when Joseon was “between” the Qing and the Ming. In the history of Korea (formerly called Joseon), the date of the Manchu Victory is 1636. With this victory, the Qing defeated the Ming and the Emperor forced Joseon into a tributary relationship with the Empire.

MAIN CHARACTERS:

• Grand Prince Jinhan / Lee In (played by Cho Jung-Seok, “The Face Reader”, “The Nokdu Flower”)
• Kang Hee-Soo / The Baduk Gambler (played by Shin Se-Kyung, “Rookie Historian”)

Before he became king, people plotted against the Grand Prince Jinhan and accused him of treason. On the night he went before his brother, the king, to plead his innocence, his brother gave him “his last words” and died in his arms. The treacherous plans of his enemies BACKFIRED. He had the upper hand because he and a court maid were the only ones in the king's quarters when he received his dying words. The grand prince took the throne and became king. Although that was not his brother, the king, had willed. Nevertheless, to carry out his brother's dying wishes, Grand Prince Jinhan has to make himself king so that he has the authority to do so.

But what were his brother's last words? The grand prince was to:

• Ensure that the king's son was placed on the throne; and
• Find out who poisoned the king.

The king did not die a natural death. He was murdered.

The storyline for “Captivating the King” is rife with treachery and deceit, betrayal, psychological manipulation, and all of the tools power-mongers use to take control and satisfy their greed and lust for wealth and power.

When the grand prince was taken hostage by the Qing, he learned the value of playing baduk because it was a game that helped the player develop a military strategy to defeat his enemy.

When the grand prince returned to the palace, certain court officials convinced his brother, the king, to view the grand prince with suspicion and painted him as a spy for Qing. But even without the efforts of those within, the king had been threatened by those without. He was told that if something should happen to him, the Qing would place the grand prince on the throne, and not his son, the crown prince. This threat was already in the king’s mind and the Joseon court officials had simply added fuel to the fire.

One day the grand prince was out and about and came across a group of people playing baduk. He wondered if he could get into the game. That is how he met the baduk gambler. She was a noble lady, disguised as a man, who used the money she earned from gambling for charitable works.

Their relationship almost did not happen. The baduk player, along with several other people, were used as scapegoats to take the blame for the people who had plotted treason against the king. They were sentenced to death. The prince, who became king, thought she died. But several years later, the baduk player showed up. Not knowing how or why she/he survived, he made a way for her/him to stay by his side. Perhaps he had been given a second chance by the heavens to right his wrong against an innocent person. The baduk player, initially had plans to destroy him. But she had a change of heart once she learned “the rest of his story”.

The story of the prince and the gambler is truly captivating.

TRAILERS/TEASERS:

Netflix K-Content. “Captivating the King | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB].” YouTube Video. YouTube, January 9, 2024. Captivating the King | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB]

Original source

Spotlight on South Korean Actor Lee Dong-Wook

Lee Dong-wook appears on many lists of “most handsome” South Korean male actors. But he is not just a pretty face. He is popular for a variety of reasons. He is very talented, has a versatile acting range, is known to have a charming persona, and he is “best buds” with Gong Yoo.

• Lee Dong Wook shares the secret to his long and successful career without any controversies | Times of India

Lee Dong-wook is an award-winning actor. Since he has been appearing in Korean dramas since 2005, you might not know where to begin. Check out this list:

1. A Shop For Killers (2024)
2. Bad and Crazy (2021)
3. Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020)
4. Strangers from Hell (2019)
5. Life (2018)
6. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)
7. Hotel King (2014)
8. The Fugitive of Joseon (2013)

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Korean Drama Review: “Love Song for Illusion” (2024), a Viki Original

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 Wol witnessed 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?

Main Characters:

• Crown Prince Sajo Hyun (played by Park Ji Hoon, “Weak Hero Class 1”, “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency”)

• Yeon Wol / Kyera / Consort Eun-hyo (played by Hong Ye Ji)

• King Sajo Seung (played by Kim Tae-Woo)

Where to Watch

Viki viewers rated this series 9.6 out of 10 stars

Original source

Korean Drama Series Review: “The Killing Vote” (2023)

“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?

Main Characters:

• Kim Mu-Chan (played by Park Hae-Jin)

• Joo Hyun (played by Lim Ji-Yeon)

• Kwon Seok-Joo (played by Park Sung-Woong)

Where to Watch

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 (2020); Crime; Action; Thriller

"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.

 Lee Jung-Jae plays Ray.

Where to Watch

RATINGS:

IMDb: 6.8 out of 10 stars; and MyDramaList: 7.8 out of 10 stars

Well. “DELIVER US from EVIL Official US Trailer | Korean Crime Action Adventure | Directed by Hong Won-Chan.” YouTube Video. YouTube, April 6, 2021. DELIVER US FROM EVIL Official US Trailer | Korean Crime Action Adventure | Directed by Hong Won-chan‌

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKUEsWGrQXs

Hunt (2022); Action; Spy Thriller

“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

Pictures, Magnolia. “Hunt - Official Trailer | Directed by Lee Jung-Jae.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 29, 2022. Hunt - Official Trailer | Directed by Lee Jung-jae

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJUOIKg4Bic

Chief of Staff 1 and 2 (2019); Political; Drama

“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.

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Operation Chromite (2016); Historical; War; Action; Drama

"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.

Operation Chromite streaming: where to watch online?

RATINGS:

IMDb: 6.2 out of 10 stars; MyDramaList: 7.8 out of 10 stars

Rotten Tomatoes Indie. “Battle for Incheon: Operation Chromite Official Trailer 1 (2017) - Liam Neeson Movie.” YouTube Video. YouTube, January 24, 2017. Battle for Incheon: Operation Chromite Official Trailer 1 (2017) - Liam Neeson Movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhX4HFsyFsw

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Assassination (2015); Historical; Political; Action; Thriller

"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.

Assassination streaming: where to watch online?

RATINGS:

IMDb: 7.2 out of 10 stars; MyDramaList: 8.2 out of 10 stars

Well. “ASSASSINATION Official Trailer | Korean Drama Action Crime Adventure | Directed by Choi Dong-Hoon.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 2, 2015. ASSASSINATION Official Trailer | Korean Drama Action Crime Adventure | Directed by Choi Dong-hoon‌

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRodYHnXWeQ

New World (2013); “Epic Gangster Film”; Action; Crime; Mystery

"New World," is about power and betrayal within the criminal underworld. The death of a crime lord ignites a fierce power struggle among his lieutenants. Who will be the next “Godfather”? Operation "New World," is the National Police Agency's plan to intervene in the power succession of the Goldmoon group.

Lee Jung-Jae plays Lee Ja-Sung.

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.

New World streaming: where to watch movie online?

RATINGS:

IMDb: 7.5 out of 10 stars; MyDramaList: 8.2 out of 10 stars

Soon. “New World TRAILER 1 (2013) - Park Hoon Jeong Movie HD.” YouTube Video. YouTube, March 4, 2013. New World TRAILER 1 (2013) - Park Hoon Jeong Movie HD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0leSGTSZ3n0