Gap Dong Review

Title: Gap Dong

AKA: Gapdongi / Memories of Murder / Kab Dong

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Melodrama

Episodes: 20

Broadcast period: 2014-Apr to 2014-Jun

Cast: Yoon Sang Hyun, Sung Dong Ill, Kim Min Jung, Lee Joon and Kim Ji Won.

20 years ago a serial killer, known as ‘Gap Dong’, terrorized the streets of Seoul by raping and murdering 9 girls, giving the police a headache. Even though the entire nation was shocked by the incident, Gap Dong was never arrested or found, and had suddenly disappeared from the public’s eye.

Ha Moo Yum’s (Yoon Sang Hyun) father had been accused of murdering the women, but when he passed after the 4^th murder, and the murders had continued, the majority of police officers had ruled him out. Except for one police officer, the one in charge, that believed he had found the killer, and even was sure the son was involved as well. Feeling unfairly treated Moo Yum became a police officer himself and dedicated his life to finding Gap Dong, but had let it go when the statute of limitation had expired. But when the police officer in charge had returned for one sole purpose, to catch Gap Dong, a new murder occurs, identical to the first Gap Dong murder 20 years ago.

At first there were thoughts of a copycat since anyone could have read about it in the paper, but when a fish knot (used to tie his victims hands) is detected, which was never mentioned anywhere and is the MO for Gap Dong, they are pretty sure that not only is Gap Dong back, but he is repeating the murders he did 20 years ago…

I’ve been holding back the review for this drama out of sheer disappointment. The drama starts pretty amazingly and intrigues you in matter of minutes, but it suddenly just becomes boring. From the bad acting of the main lead, to the silly interpretation of a psychopath, they just do not deliver and drag it on for 20 episodes. After a certain point I felt annoyed at both the female and the male lead and their ridiculous and tedious love story, and I ended up praying for more screen time for the second leads. But unfortunately their dialogues and their constant philosophical discussions even that becomes LONG and upsetting. On the bright side it really is a different story and quite confusing at time - but the good kind of confusing. Lee Joon does his character best, and actually manages to wheel you in, whereas I found Yoon Sang Hyun and Kim Min Jung pretty dislikeable. At one point I felt they all were psychopaths.

Okay enough of my brattling. Should you watch it? If you like criminal dramas, with a little edge, then yes. Also if you want to know what the hype about Lee Joon’s acting is about, this is probably one of his good ones.  All in all.. Well partially good.

☆☆☆ / 3 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

I Hear Your Voice Review

Title: I Hear Your Voice
AKA: I Can Hear Your Voice
Genre: romance, fantasy, comedy, thriller, crime, mystery
Episodes: 18
Broadcast period: 2013-Jun-05 to 2013-Aug-01
Cast: Lee Bo Young, Kim So Hyun, Lee Jong Suk, Goo Seung Hyun, Yoon Sang Hyun, Lee Da Hee, Jung Min Ah, Yoon Joo Sang, Kim Kwang Gyu, Choi Sung Joon, Jung Dong Hwan, Choi Dae Sung, Kim Hae Sook, Jung Woong In, Kim Ga Eun, Kim Byung Ok . . .

Park Soo Ha (Lee Jong Suk) experienced a tragedy as a child (Goo Seung Hyun), his father was murdered in front of his eyes, and because of the shock he couldn't talk in front of the court but that might not have helped anyway because he was underaged, and to make it even worse he said he could read people's minds, thus his testimony was seen as untrustworthy. However, right before the murderer Min Joon Guk (Jung Woong In) could be set free, an eyewitness showed up, the young girl Jang Hye Sung (Lee Bo Young / Kim So Hyun) stepped up infront of the court and claimed she had a photo on her mobile which showed Min Joon Guk murdering Park Soo Ha's father, which triggered an explosive reaction from Joon Guk who started attacking Jang Hye Sung, treathening to kill her as soon as he comes out of prison. More than 10 years pass, the release of Joon Guk is near and Park Soo Ha is looking for Jang Hye Sung, who is now an attourney, to keep his promise of protecting her. But Hye Sung is slowly falling for another guy, the kindhearted attourney Cha (Yoon Sang Hyun), who would do almost anything to protect Hye Sung himself.

This drama is quite weird, why? because it's not ecxiting, but you still keep watching, possibly because of Jong Suk.. ehm.. well  honestly the "read your mind through your eyes" part does not make much sense, or at least it isnt thought through. But I guess that might not be the point. The drama was not made the best, the story is alright, for me it's new, a different storyline and the message is great too "An eye for and eye, a tooth for a tooth, and the whole world would be handicapped" a great message. As well as watching the public defenders and prosecutors with their struggles when they have no choice but to take a case and fight for it as if they believe in it. They showed it well but they also showed really rare goodness with attourney Cha and his belief in good. He is almost too good. A great imagine to youngsters (lol im saying this). But yeah again, its not bad at all but isnt the superexciting drama that keeps you in your chair either. which makes it a bit hard to rate.. but the message definitely brings up the rating :P

☆☆☆☆/ 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Bunjis Verdict

Hmm, okay first of all I was not expecting much after I read Jenjis review, and  thank God for that, because I enjoyed it more than I would if I had expectations. For me the biggest hindrance for this drama was that I had the Lee Jong Suk image I had from School 2013, which made me unable to even see him in a school uniform without me hyperventilating. After calming down, and managing to pull through the first 8 episodes, my heart broke and I again was not able to watch it. I was sure I wouldn’t be able to watch it, but was told that I shouldn’t worry too much, so I continued, and surprisingly I fell for this drama. To the point of wanting the person I love to be able to read my mind.. *sigh*I have been trying to single out any mistakes, but I seriously loved this, even the trials - which by the way was so damn commercial. I didn’t mind any of it since the story would be great, and the puzzles, no matter how ridiculous, would make an awesome piece.

The reason it’s a 4/4 rating is not that it is bad, or that it isn’t a favorite, because I believe everyone should watch this. The reason is simply that comparing it to all other dramas, it just seems typical and long.

So, recommendable? Yes.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Secret Garden Review

Title: Secret Garden
Genre: Romance, comedy, fantasy, melodrama
Episodes: 20
Broadcasting period: 2010-Nov-13 to 2011-Jan-16
Cast: Hyun Bin, Ha Ji Won, Yoon Sang Hyun, Kim Sa Rang, Lee Philip, Lee Jong Suk, Yoo In Na, Kim Ji Sook, Park Joon Geum, Kim Sung Oh, Choi Yoon So

Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin) is arrogant, rich and the president of Loel. One day as he is to get an actress he mistakes the stunt woman, Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won) for her. As he does not ask whether it is her but just asks "Do you know Oska?" she answers yes because Oska is a musician and her idol. She follows him and he does not find out that he has made a mistake till later. But BAM! love at first kick. He cannot stop thinking about her and often visits her and tries to get to know her. But Gil Ra Im is very different from him. She has had a hard life because she lost her mother at early age and her father, a firefighter, some years back. She lives in a small cheap place with her friend. Joo Won himself is surprised that he has fallen for his woman because she has nothing which a rich family would look for in a daughter-in-law and that is also the reason why they meet a lot of obstacles. But one of the biggest challenges they meet is when they mysteriously switch bodies, now they even have to try living each others lives but will their love pass the test? Will they grow closer or will it break their love? Their love faces one challenge after another ...

The drama made me go "KYA!" . Yup. Its a kya-drama. One that makes your heart beat faster and has a lot of those kiyooo couple moments. Even though the only thing that ruined the realistic-feel was when they switched bodies, that makes you go "oh well,, its just fiction". But it was still one of the reeally good romance comedies. It had lots of humor all the time it was fun and you laugh a lot. But then it also had those heartbreaking moments where you kyaaant breathe, and those sweet lovey dovey moments that make you heartbeat skip. Another good thing is that an issue or problem never stays too long there is always something new happening and so it keeps your interest and doesnt get boring. But one thing i wondered was like.. are korean dramas all on low budget? There are so many technical ..things. And like where the director should yell "NG!!" but nope. And the editing is not quite good as well. And yeah im psyco when it comes to tht. It has to have really good quality or it ruins my experience. But this is not the only drama. But it still means a lot when it comes to rating stars. Short: the visuals are bad. But the feel is definitely high because i rate it a Kya-drama. Thats high. Cause at the end i couldnt say anything i just went "gyaah.." . The kyaah at the end of a drama says it all , :P

☆☆☆9/10 / 3,9 out of 5 stars (lol the 0,1 from 4 stars is bcuz of the lousy editing, but the script and all is still good)

♥♥♥♥♥ / 5 out of 5 hearts

Bunji's Verdict
Without doubt one of the most amazing storylines in ages, and I’m surprised to say I actually liked it. Even though it has those ‘drainy’ moments, it’s one of those that warm your heart, episode after episode.
On the other hand, I have to agree with Jenny, it SERIOUSLY has the worst editing; either that or the director was on crack. I mean even I noticed so many freaking mistakes. Lol, like at the ending of one episode it’s night, next episode, same scene, its morning. May not be noticed if you are watching it with 7 days in between, but watching them one after another is horrible.
The script was good, so were the characters, but towards the ending it became a little too much, like complicated and confusing. The ending was nice though, closes a lot of question or ‘loose threads’. I have to admit Hyun Bin is amazing, not that good-looking, actually silly-looking, but bloody hell, amazing actor.
I enjoyed it, and I guess I recommend it : D

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

Lady Castle Review

Title: Lady Castle
AKA: Take Care of the Young Lady, Take Care of Agassi and My Fair Lady.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Episodes: 16
Broadcast period: 2009-Aug to 2009-Oct
Insert song: Hot Stuff by Davichi
Cast: Yoon Eun Hye , Yoon Sang Hyun, Jung Il Woo, Moon Chae Won and Lee Jung Gil.

The story revolves around two completely different people, Seo Dong Chan(Yoon Sang Hyun); a poor man and ex giggalo, who works three jobs in order to make a living. He lives with his aunt and childhood friend, Eun Jio(Moon Chae Won ), who secretly loves him. And Hae Na(Yoon Eun Hye); an international celebrity, who grew up with everything, getting everything she ever wanted. She lives with her granfather, and is EXREMELY spoilt: has never apoligized or used the words "thank you". She has a problem, by firering all her maids and butlers, if they do the smallest mistake.
The story takes a start, as she fires her last butler, and is taken to a marriage-proposal, where she acts up and leaves. At the same time, Dong Chan leaves the flower shop to do a delivery, where he ends up being hit by Hae Na. Dong Chan wants to hear an apology, whereas Hae Na wants to pay herself out of it, and get it overwith. It ends with Dong Chan taking it to court, and making Hae Na do 150 houres of community service.
The two bump heads again, where Hae Na wants to make Dong Chan pay, and alot happens, like Hae Na faking a kidnap, making Dong Chan being arrested. As Hae Na's garnfather finds out about these happenings, Hae Na tries to leave the country, but is stopped by Dong Chan, who fakes a kidnap, taking her home again. As she arrives home, confused, her granfather greets her, telling her that Ding Chan is hre new butler.

Fun, fun and extra fun! I really had fun in this one. Its "human/ordinary" fun, meaning none of those extreme with supernatural powers or supernatural wounds. I mean when the actors are good, anything MEANT to be funny, IS funny.. Lols, but really, I tend to laugh at bad acting, or stupid dialogs, but this is really good! Eun Hye is great a spoilt rich brat, suits her, and she looks amazing. Sang Hyun I've never seen before, and I was sceptical, concidering age difference, but he is ADORABLE!! iiih!! The other actors where passable (hihi).
The negative would be the focus. I mean the story is fun, and its good the first 12 episodes, but after that, it sort a looses focus. Too much confusion, and unnessecary scenes (Im not taking about the Hae Na & Dong Chan scenes, but the others). Its kind of sad, since I was hyper the first 12 eps, than the last 4 were not as interesting, but the 4 that were still on my mind as I recall the series..

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts