Hidden Identity Review

Title: Hidden Identity

Genre: Crime, Thriller

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2015-Jun to 2015-Aug

Cast: Kim Bum, Park Sung Woong, Yoon So Yi and Lee Won Jong.

Cha Gun Woo (Kim Bum) is a former SWAT member who left it and became a police detective. When his partner dies in front of him while on a stakeout, Gun Woo becomes depressed and reminded of the past where his girlfriend was killed by a criminal, right in front of him. The brother of his dead girlfriend, also a cop, Kim Tae In (Kim Tae Hoon) works with a small crew of detectives for the police unit that deals undercover operations.

When Tae In goes missing whilst on a undercover job, they recruit Gun Woo, as he is the most fit for the job, but also has something that might interest him. At first Gun Woo is very reluctant, but when they tell him about the case and the parts involved he suddenly gets very interested and agrees…

This drama has by far one of the most interesting storylines ever made, but has one of the most typical ending and climax. Meaning I was so bored with the “sad” ending that I was counting seconds for it to end, as it was too common. Though I was keen to watch the story and to know about the backstory, I was yawning a lot the time, which when I think back was because of mediocre acting from the cast. The ones playing the ‘baddies’ or the antagonists, were doing a great job – had me buy it completely. But the main cast somehow were very dull. Including Kim Bum. After watching this I am quite sure he doesn’t know how to act. Or at least in this drama he really was bad at acting this character because I got nothing good from him – except for him reminding me of Lee Seo Eun and Lee Seo Jun (the twins from Superman Returns) – which doesn’t fit this apparent “badass” character. To be completely honest I don’t remember all the other actors – that is how dull of an impression they left me.

I think I would recommend this for the story, but not if you are a fan of Kim Bum. He disappoints.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

The Great King Sejong Review

Title: The Great King Sejong

AKA: King Sejong The Great

Genre: Period, Family

Episodes: 86

Broadcast period: 2008-Jan to 2008-Nov

Cast: Kim Sang Kyung, Lee Yoon Ji, Kim Kap Soo, Lee Chun Hee, Lee Won Jong, Cho Sung Ha, Lee Hyun Woo and Park Sang Min.

This story revolves around the entire life of the 4th king of Joseon, one of the two with the title ‘great’, King Sejong.

As the third son of the third king of Joseon, Prince Choon Nyung (Lee Hyun Woo) has been raised not to be too involved in politics, but due to his natural curiosity and good heart, Prince Choon Nyung believes to find that the books on Confucius are the ones that are correct: that the citizens of Joseon are pure and righteous. His teacher on the other hand decides to give the prince a lesson and tells him to walk down to the city, instead of keeping his nose in the books. Accepting the challenge Prince Choon Nyung walks down the city and for the first time ever realizes how, not only poor, but grotesque all the people of Joseon are. And with the Ming dynasty in the city, the rebels are trying to destroy the treaty that the king made. In utter shock the prince returns home and tells his father about the situation in the empire, only to have the king use that knowledge and punish the citizens – as they are ‘complaining’ against the king. Once again Prince Choon Nyung decides for his own and rings the bell of complaint, this furies the king and he decides to punish Prince Choon Nyung by executing one of his closes friends.

This makes Prince Choon Nyung retreat completely from politics, but due to kind heart and jealous family, he is pulled into a whirlwind of betrayal and lies…

Out of all the Korean period dramas this one makes most sense – might be because I knew the history behind it – but it still was good in the sense that made a person like me (one that is not so much period drama fan) like it. The story of the great King Sejong is one of the most curious ones, as I never really understood their love for him, and I know that they do exaggerate in period dramas, but I sort of understand this one and it fits the history part of the king’s life. I mean I am kind of history biased, but they really are almost at point – though with a bit of creativity in the spots that have a kind of unclear story.

As far as acting, besides being a Lee Yoon Ji fan I haven't really seen works of any of the actors (of course Lee Chun Hee but that’s it), so it was kind of being thrown into a drama with "unknown" actors and a lot of “back-actors”: the actors that have supporting characters in almost every drama. The drama was okay acted, but not really that amazing though. And kind of weird yet beautiful love stories.. I guess that is those day time period drama, a lot of episodes with kind of mediocre acting, though that didn’t make it less good, just made it kind of regular.

So sum it up: an interesting drama with an honest approach to the actual historical events, but on the other hand mediocre acting.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Secret Door Review

Title: Secret Door
AKA: Uigwe Murder Case
Genre: History, Mystery, Political, Action
Episodes: 24
Broadcast period: 2014-Sep to 2014-Dec
Cast: Han Suk Kyu, Lee Je Hoon, Kim Yoo Jung, Park Eun Bin, Kim Min Jong, Kim Chang Wan, Lee Won Jong,

This drama is the historical remake of the conflict that occurred between the Joseon King Yeongjo (Han Suk Kyu) and his son the Crown Prince Sado (Lee Je Hoon). They had two very different ways of how to rule the country. King Yeongjo wanted to pursues the strong royal authority, and to strengthen his political power. While Crown Prince Sado insisted on the more ideal thought of equality for everyone. It was known that King Yeongjo, even after 30 years on the throne felt threatened by his son, and therefor he sentenced him to death. Nevertheless, mystery surrounds Crown Prince Sado’s death, even 100 years after. This drama will explore the truth behind one of Joseons greatest struggle for power.

This show takes Korean dramas to a whole other level. I have to start with saying I’m a geek when it comes to history, it’s one of my passions, so I really enjoyed this drama. Especially when I know that, it’s based on a real event.  Yes, this is a very powerful drama with an awesome cast line; if you are a saeguk fan (like me), this is a definite watch. This story has been tackled so many times in dramaland, that it makes it no easy job to bring an exciting and thrilling atmosphere to it. Just in 2014 there is already two works about king Sado, (Bonus info: Yoo Ah In plays King Sado in the movie!!!)
After watching the first episodes, I realized that this was a little different from the others; somehow, I was so confused I couldn’t continue, so I decided to research the background for this mysterious king. In addition, it definitely helped me get through it, and it opened up so many questions about him. Now I know why every historian thinks he is interesting.
I was surprised they casted Le Je Hoon as king Sado, and that’s because I’ve only seen him in Fashion King (2012), and he really didn’t make an impression on me, plus he really doesn’t have other projects, so he is kinda unknown. After watching him play this role, I see why they said he is the perfect fit. He really pulled out an amazing and interesting character I think only he can do, and the fact that he is kinda unknown in dramaland makes him perfect for this role. You’ll see why in the drama :b
All in all a very interesting drama, that I’m happy I decided to watch, the reason it doesn't get the perfect score is because of the lack of romance, in real life King Sado was known as the ladies man :b

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Vampire Prosecutor 2 Review

Title: Vampire prosecutor 2

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 11

Broadcast period: 2012-Sep to 2012-Nov

Cast: Yun Jung Hoon, Lee Young Ah, Lee Won Jong, Lee Kyung Young, Kim Joo Young and Kwon Hyun Sang.

The second season continues with Prosecutor Min Tae Yeon (Yun Jung Hoon) trying to find his sister and the man that bit him 7 years ago, and the appearance of a new enemy.

Now with a new boss and new office the team is made official as “Special Case Division”, but for some reason the boss is not happy with the way the team is handling cases, especially since they tend to do things their own way instead of following the rules or asking the higher-ups. The team still continues with their cases in the way they are used to, and when they get a new member, Forensic doctor Jo Jung In (Lee Kyung Young) joins, they swiftly make him feel at home. But little does Tae Yeon know, the new member is linked to the past - the past where he was bitten by a certain vampire…

Compared to season one this one is way better. They either got a new director or they got a richer producer, because everything seems so good here. The best way to explain it is: think about the old Korean dramas where they pretend they are rich but you can seriously see that the characters have suits they have never worn on, and that they are all wearing fake Rolexes, even if you don’t know the difference. This drama seems more new, and the actors seem more into their characters. And I remember reading a comment that the main actress seems too feminine and weak in the new season, to that I say, just because you got a new haircut, did your eye brows and started wearing expensive makeup doesn’t make you weak, seriously. She is so badass even if she is ready for the catwalk! Besides her everyone else got character development, which is nice, and they storylines are more connected to the main characters than the supporting characters.

So watch it? Hmm, yeah, but you should watch the first season too, even though it isn’t that great compared to season 2.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Vampire Prosecutor Review

Title: Vampire Prosecutor

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 12

Broadcast period: 2011-Oct to 2011-Dec

Cast: Yun Jung Hoon, Lee Young Ah, Lee Won Jong and Kim Joo Young.

While racing after the main suspect that took the lives of many people, including his sister, Min Tae Yeon (Yun Jung Hoon) is hit by a truck as well as the man he chased. Climbing out of the turned over car Tae Yeon sees how suspect is stabbed by a man in a rain coat, and soon after he is attacked by a man who bites him in the neck. Ever since that night he has been able to see things, and visualize things which he never thought was possible. But on the other hand has an urge to drink blood. As the only person Tae Yeon trusted his secret with Hwang Sun Beom (Lee Won Jong), a hardworking and ambitious detective, often asks for Tae Yeons help whenever he feels weirdly about a case.

7 years later, Tae Yeon has been assigned to a special unit called “Prosecutor-Police Joint Special Investigation Unit”, which is also known by law enforcement as “Dead End Team” meaning they are most likely to be abolished and lose their jobs. Being the Team Leader he asks for Detective Hwang to be added to the team, and is assigned two more people: the analyst-intern Choi Dong Man (Kim Joo Young) and prosecutor Yoo Jung In (Lee Young Ah).

Together this team investigates and prosecutes cases, but for Tae Yeon his interest lies in the man with the black raincoat and finding out how his sister died.

Firstly sorry about the weirdly written summary, but I think you should be able to get the main points.

When I started this I had 0 expectations, like look at the name man.. But after I saw that it was the same broadcasting station as SIT10, I had to check it out, and I liked it. Despite some of the repeats I felt it was great storyline, and the cases where good too. Though one thing I really couldn’t wrap my head around was the speed of each case. I mean I know he is a prosecutor but it just feels halfhearted having the trial in the drama as well - and pretty useless also. Another thing I liked was that he isn’t all perfect, which I sort of expected, but more of a person with a problem.

If you are worrying about another “Twilight”, don’t be. I like this more than Twilight, (and I am a Twilight fan) because they make the vampire seem like real bad guys, not just as fantasy dreamy guys or whatever.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts