The Guest Review

Title: The Guest

AKA: Hand / Son

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2018-Sept to 2018-Nov

Cast: Kim Dong Wook, Kim Jae Wook and Jung Eun Chae.

When he was a child, Yoon Hwa Pyung (Kim Dong Wook) was possessed by a superior ghost. The possession led to the deaths of many people, accidently involving the brother of a priest who tried to exorcise him, Choi Yoon, and the daughter of a police woman who tried to help, Kang Gil Young.

As a grown up, Hwa Pyung is able to see ghosts, which he believes is because of the possession. He meets Priest Choi (Kim Jae Wook), while trying to find the superior ghost, Sohn, he believes is still out there creating havoc. And he meets police woman Kang Gil Young (Jung Eun Chae), who wants to find her mothers murderer. The three get involved in an exorcism, and soon they realize that they are all the children, victims of Sohn, the ghost that had possessed Hwa Pyung, repossessed Yoons brother, and killed Gil Youngs mother. At first, the three are at odds, but when they witness more than just one abnormal case of ghosts, they soon form an alliance…

Sorry for the weird summary, I recommend watching the trailer…

Dear lord! This is by far one of my favorite dramas, ever! I loved every single thing about this - maybe not the “Son” background story, but it was still pretty amazing. I loved the cast, their chemistry, and the entire build up. It had me guessing the entire time, and I loved every minute it. I can retell the entire drama, because I was taking every minute in. I was on the edge of my seat, and I enjoyed it. The plot was very intriguing, as in how and what, which has scary moments, but not the classic ones. It was very refreshing to see a different type of storyline - that wasn’t cliché. Likewise, the fact that there wasn’t a love story, made it so much better.

All in all, 100% recommend to people that like suspense, but also those who want to try a very different genre.

☆☆☆☆☆ / 5 out 5 stars

♥♥♥♥♥ / 5 out of 5 hearts

Voice 2 (Kdrama) review

Title: Voice 2

Genre: Mystery, Crime, Police, Action

Episodes: 12

Broadcast period: 2018-Aug to 2018-Sept

Cast: Lee Ha Na, Lee Jin Wook, Kwon Yool, Son Eun Seo and An Se Ha

This is the second season of Voice.

After Moo Jin Hyuk (Jang Hyuk) leaves to take care of his child, Kang Kwon Joo (Lee Ha Na) is left alone to deal with the Emergency Call Center. That changes when she encounters detective Do Kang Woo (Lee Jin Wook) who she meets when her Team Leader is found dead and allegedly responsible for murder. They both are familiar with him and both show up at the crime scene, but Kwon Joo soon realizes that Kang Woo has ulterior motives, when he tries to take something from the scene. It is revealed that Kang Woo had been suspended before and is suspected to have killed his partner. Due to his rigid personality, he doesn’t deny, but claims that he looks for the real killer.

The two, start investigating the death and after a few occurrences, the two of them end up working together as there seems to be someone pulling string from behind the scenes…

Okay, so I was a huge fan of the first season, because of the many side stories - like each episode had an individual story. There was a main one too, but it didn’t overshadow the side plots. This one did. I cannot remember the side stories - like at all. I know it is common for Korean dramas to do that, but I really felt disappointed. Its not a bad story, and the focus on the main story doesn’t ruin it, but it felt like every other kdrama, instead of the drama I fell in love with. It’s a good drama with great suspense and storytelling, and I did like it, but I kind of wanted more of the original. But its fine…

The duo was okay, I mean I like Jang Hyuk, but Lee Jin Wook is good too. So, I cannot complain.

All in all, a decent second season.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Medical Examiner Dr. Qin Review

Title: Medical Examiner Dr. Qin

Genre: Mystery, Drama, Forensic

Episodes: 20

Broadcast period: 2016-Oct to 2016-Dec

Cast: Zhang Ruo Yun, Jiao Jun Yan and Li Xian.

Qin Ming (Zhang Ruo Yun) is the head M.E of the Public Security Bureu of Longfan City. Known to be col, stict and harsh towards everyone around him, Qin Ming works with Lin Tao (Li Xian), the only police officer able to stand Qin Ming, in the Criminal Branch of Forensic Investigations. Unable to keep an assistant, due to his uncooperative behavior, Qin Ming changes assistants too often. When part of a body is found in barrels of frying oil, a new assistant arrives them. And to both Qin Mings and Lin Taos surprise, Li Da Bao, a female, joins. Though Qin Ming and Da Bao are at odds in the beginning, Da Bao soon proves herself to Qin Ming, and together with Lin Tao, the dynamic trio solve cases, smoothly.

At the same time, an unknown foe starts to emerge, targeting Qin Ming, and his past becomes the center of it all…

This drama was an accidental one: I found it online, while looking for crime dramas, and ended up with this one. It’s a good drama with well made stories, though a bit too unrealistic if you ask me. I know that all crime dramas are somewhat unrealistic, but this one kind of had grotesque ones. I like a well-made story as much as the next person, but compared to the quality of the stories, the bodies/props really seemed badly made. This can also ruin a bit of it, but if you don’t mind that, the acting and portrayal of the characters is great. It is serious and has funny moments - so this is your typical crime drama. It has a main story too, which is very nice, so I do have to say, it is a good overall watch.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Iryu Sosa 4 Review

Title: Iryu Sosa Season 4

AKA: CSI: Crime Scene Talks Season 4

Genre: Police, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 9

Broadcast period: 2017-Jul to 2017-Sep

Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Kuriyama Chiaki, Toda Keiko, Nagai Masaru and Miyazaki Karen.

This is the fourth season of the drama series.

During a cruise trip in Kyoto, Itomura Satoshi (Kamikawa Takaya) is, together with the passengers and crew of the ship, hijacked by gunmen, right leaving the harbour. While threatening to blow up the ship, the gunmen blow up one of them, leaving small burnt pieces of paper behind. Using his smarts, he tries to alert the police, who have occupied the harbor, of possible on-shore accomplices. His signal is spotted by Kanzaki Rio (Kuriyama Chiaki), a detective of the Special Crime Management and Control Office (Tokutai), a team that specializes in crimes that are seen as either too wired or hard to solve. Soon enough the cruise is saved, but the hijackers are nowhere to be found. But Itomura believes otherwise, and the Tokutai are introduced to the unique man, only interested in the burnt pieces of paper, left by the hijackers….

Sorry about the summary - it’s been a while.

After four seasons, you kind of get used to the flow and storylines of this drama. It is a nice break from serious and heavy dramas, and you can enjoy it without much prior knowledge. Though I haven’t watched the special that is in between season 3 and season 4, I felt that I didn’t need it. I could follow the story, and I again, didn’t need any backstory. Season 4 is also different, in the sense that we are in a different city and with different characters (except Itomura of course), so it is very refreshing. I also feel like this season has turned up the storytelling - the individual episode stories are really well-written and good.

All in all, a good drama with good acting - and good storytelling.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Unnatural Review

Title: Unnatural

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Forensic, Comedy, Drama

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2018-Jan to 2018-Mar

Cast: Ishihara Satomi, Iura Arata, Kubota Masataka, Ichikawa Mikako and Matsushige Yutaka.

This drama revolves around the few forensic pathologists at the UDI Lab.

Misumi Mikoto (Ishihara Satomi) works as a medical examiner at the UDI Lab. She is earnest and believes every death has a “truth”. Other than her, there is Nakado Kai (Iura Arata) working as a medical examiner. Though he has worked in the field longer than her, his approach is different. He is cold and fast, but very talented. There is Shoji Yuko (Ichikawa Mikako) a clinical test technologist, and Kube Rokuro (Kubota Masataka) a recorder.

Overworked and underappreciated, the UDI Lab has more and more cases each day, and when circumstances from the past creeps up on the team faces different obstacles, they didn’t expect…

I am sorry for the lame summary. This drama does not deserve such crappy explaining… Watch the trailer!

Currently I’m into these pathologist type of dramas, and this one is a really good one. I love the simplicity of this drama, though there is a main story, and from get go you know that where its going. So it’s not all “simple”. As a general, in any entertainment industry, it is hard to find a well-written story that has a decent female lead storyline. I like that this one showed the sexist part of society. They tend to pretend it isn’t there - in any drama/country - and they do it as a part of the overall story, not just a piece of sub plot.

The acting was great and so was the storyline, so all in all a good drama to watch!

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Partners of Justice Review

Title: Partners of Justice

AKA: Investigation Couple

Genre: drama, crime, mystery

Episodes: 32

Broadcast period: 2018-May to 2018-Jul

Cast: Jung Jae Young, Jung Yoo Mi, Lee Yi Kyung, Park Eun Suk and Stephanie Lee.

Eun Sol (Jung Yoo Mi) is a newly appointed public prosecutor, full of life and energy. Though very young and inexperienced, she graduated with highest points, and treats everyone with enthusiasm. Easy to talk to and bubbly, she is liked by everyone, until she encounters Baek Bom (Jung Jae Young), a forensic pathologist. Grumpy and simpleminded, Bom is rude to everyone, especially Sol, after she accidently almost contaminates a crime scene. Scarred by his past, Bom who had been a successful surgeon, but decided to become a medical examiner, and excelled while doing so.

The two completely different people, both talented in their fields, start recognizing each other’s strengths, while cases from past and present turn up, and the two unknowingly become partners…

This is one of those where you can’t really give a decent resume, it has to be watched.

I swear, this drama took me by surprise. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. I think I cried (or was teary) in almost every story! The fact that there weren’t unnecessary love stories, or a draggy/long main story, kind of made it more interesting as a viewer. To be engaged in every story, rather than wanting to follow a main story, is kind of refreshing. BUT yes... There is a main story, it just doesn’t take much of the screen time in every episode, different than (filler episodes) dramas… I enjoyed the characters too. They seemed a bit typical at the beginning, but you kind of find them relatable later one. From the happy girl to the grumpy guy. I liked both.

Of course, there are annoying things as well, but you kind of forget those along the way.

So: all in all, a great drama to watch - heck made me interested in pathology… says a bit.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥½ / 4½ out of 5 hearts

HiGH & LOW: The Story of S.W.O.R.D Review

Title: High & Low: The Story of S.W.O.R.D

AKA: High & Low Season 1

Genre: Action, Mystery, Drama, Delinquents

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2015-Oct to 2015-Dec

Cast: Iwata Takanori, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Yamashita Kenjiro, Sato Kanta, Sato Taiki, Keiji, Yamada Yuki, Kubota Masataka and Hayashi Kento... and many many others..

“Long ago, the legendary team ‘MUGEN’ had controlled this land. Due to their overwhelming power, the whole district ended up being controlled by them. Under the rule of MUGEN, there were a pair of brothers who were the only ones that didn’t submit and fought equally, with just the two of them: The Amamiya Brothers. They couldn’t form an agreement and after an unexpected event, MUGEN suddenly broke up, and The Amamiya Brothers hid themselves. Then, from that district, 5 organizations/teams rose to the top: Oya High, White Rascals, Rude Boys, Daruma Hooligans and Sannoh Association. The first letter of each name was used to name the district ‘S.W.O.R.D’.” (Intro of drama)

Chiharu (Sato Taiki) is the newest member of the organization/team “Sannoh Associations”, that consists of: the leader Cobra (Iwata Takanori), Yamato (Suzuki Nobuyuki), Dan (Yamashita Kenjiro), and Tetz (Sato Kanta). The team famously protects the Sannoh district and keeps unwanted gangs away.

A month prior, Chiharu had been a transfer student at Oya High, infamously known as the school for delinquents and students repeating the last year over and over again. Disagreeing with the No. 2, Chiharu gets himself in trouble, but is saved by Yamato, who didn’t know it was Oya High. This leads so disturbance amongst the 5 teams. At the same time another group, the yakuza, try to overtake the 5 districts…

I’m sorry for lengthy and partly confusing summary, but so many things happen, at the same time, making it very hard for me to sum up. Continuing from dramas like Gokusen or movies like CROWS ZERO, this one had the same type of mentality, except that it involves entire districts, instead of schools. This would be the equivalent of gangs (in America or Europe) minus murdering and shooting, which makes it a great watch. They fight, but with style and stamina, and it is enjoyable to watch, not just mindless hitting. Also: bromance.

I enjoyed it a lot, and I liked every minute of it - which is why my heart rating is high. But for other views it might be a bit different. If you aren’t into this thing, it might not be as interesting, though there is decent amount of emotional moments as well.

So, all in all, a great drama that the average can enjoy, but also might not.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥♥ / 5 out of 5 hearts

Iryu Sosa 3 Review

Title: Iryu Sosa Season 3

AKA: CSI: Crime Scene Talks Season 3

Genre: Police, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 9

Broadcast period:

Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Saito Yuki, Nishimura Masahiko, Masana Bokuzo, Mashima Hidekazu and Namioka Kazuki.

This is the third season of the drama series.

The drama continues where the last season left off, and the team has been allowed to focus on big cases due to their success of solving them in the past. Even though the team is still intact, the MPD First Investigation Division sends over Morita Sosuke (Nishimura Masahiko), a serious and loyal veteran detective, who is the complete opposite of Itomura Satoshi (Kamikawa Takaya). Though the team is used to Itomura and his sudden weird antics, the headstrong Morita refuses to let Itomura trample on the ranks and structure of the Japanese Police Force. Being gentle by nature, and quite frankly uninterested in anything but the victims, Itomura doesn’t rebuff or comment on Moritas obejctions, which infuriates Morita even more.

As Morita gets more and more used to the team, his initial goal of reporting about the division becomes less and less important, and Itomuras unreasonable personality becomes a common thing…

Compared to season 2, this one seems a bit darker. Even though its better than season 1, it has some element -which I can’t put my finger on - but it gives you a different feel. I don’t know if it’s because of the colors, or if its different locations that are dark, but I felt I bit sadder watching this. The humor is also dark, which, I believe, contributes to the theme. The stories are amazing, I think my favorite of all 3 seasons. They are sad, heartbreaking, and most of all relatable.  

I didn’t like the main story though. It kind of felt repeated, and I am sick of people against Itomura, it’s boring. Same old song, even if it gradually becomes better, you just want to watch a team, not this typical story…

Anyways, cool season, with amazing side stories, but typical and recognizable main story.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Iryu Sosa 2 Review

Title: Iryu Sosa 2

AKA: Iryu Sosa Season 2/ CSI: Crime Scene Talks Season 2

Genre: Police, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 8

Broadcast period: 2012-Jul to 2012-Sept

Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Saito Yuki, Yashima Norito, Tanaka Tetsushi, Okada Yoshinori, Masana Bokuzo and Mashima Hidekazu.

This is the second season of the drama series.

After speaking up and undermining the ranks of the force, as he usually does, during an investigation at the First Investigation Division, Itomura Satoshi (Kamikawa Takaya) is demoted to work in a smaller station, in the outskirts of the city. This Investigation Team is led by Mizusawa Kyoko (Saito Yuki), and has few members, as well as small sections, such as traffic and guarding. Here Itomura isn’t tasked with the personal items, but he prefers to look at them, and investigate based on them. Though his team find him weird and occasionally annoying, they let him focus on the items left by the victims and have him investigate. This creates teamwork, as Itomura focuses on the families left behind, and his colleague focus on the crime…

Compared to season 1, this one I like way better. Not that it is much different: the premise and lead actor is the same. But I liked the supporting cast more in this one. Even if the characters didn’t support the lead, I felt that there was more teamwork in this season, compared to the first one. The characters are really likeable, and the side stories are good. Also, the guest stars were good actors, so an upgrade there…

This season has a bit more humor as well, and honestly, it is much more relatable, though I have to say, I am very surprised of how Itomura manages to find all those thigs out - but that is TV for you.

All in all, a good season, but better than the first one.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Iryu Sosa Review

Title: Iryu Sosa

AKA: CSI: Crime Scene Talks Season 1 / Iryu Sosa Season 1

Genre: Police, Mystery, Crime

Episodes: 11

Broadcast period: 2011-Apr to 2011-Jun

Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Kanjiya Shihori, Sano Shiro and Osugi Ren.

Itomura Satoshi (Kamikawa Takaya) is the chief of the Scientific Criminal Investigation Unit, know as the Unit of Personal Effects by other cops. Ridiculed as a “timewaster”, he spends most of his time focusing on the personal effects of the victims, as he believes they can explain the behavior and thoughts, of the victims. Though undervalued, Itomura doesn’t care about the opinions of the others, and isn’t interested in the crimes - his focus is the victims and their families. He spends most time relaying the last moments to the families. Oda Miyuki (Kanjiya Shiori) is the only female detective in the First Investigation Division. Even though she is underestimated and discriminated due to her gender, she refuses to back down. But finds herself working with Itomura - who has been known to be a “promotion stopper” - even though she does not want to.

This drama focuses on the police force, but also on each crime/victim and their story…

This drama is one of those I found by accident while checking out the subtitle index update, and I kind of remember it from some time back, while watching the medical drama Iryu, as they share common name. Compared to other police dramas, this one is very different, as it focuses on the victims, and to be honest it feels incredibly weird. Instead of “rooting” for the capture of the criminals, I was shown the stories of the victims. Its very anti-climactic, but sort of refreshing, as you usually forget that the victims had fuller lives before being a victim. So that I really liked. I gotta say, the guest stars were bad at acting, I didn’t like that they seemed to “feel sad” or cry on cue… It ruins the set-up mood. Besides that, the other characters were to one track minded, which annoyed me a lot. I mean, it makes the Japanese police seem very bad.

Anyways, a decent watch, with good short stories.

☆☆☆ / 3 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Miss Sherlock Review

Title: Miss Sherlock

Genre: Crime, Mystery

Episodes: 8

Broadcast period: 2018-Apr to 2018-Jun

Cast: Takeuchi Yuko, Kanjiya Shihori, Takito Kenichi, Nakamura Tomoya, Otani Ryohei and Ozawa Yukiyoshi.

This is a Japanese version on the classic story of Sherlock Holmes.

After spending time in war-stricken Syria, the empathetic and likeable doctor Tachibana Wato (Kanjiya Shihori) returns home, only to witness the death of her mentor. This leads to her meeting Sherlock (Takeuchi Yuko), a “consultant” to the police. Arrogant, unapologetic and with bad social skills, Sherlock is a master in deduction, and runs her own detective agency - but occasionally helps the police out in cases deemed ‘bizarre’ or ‘weird’.

At first these two completely different people dislike each other, but due to her apartment burning down, Tachibana moves into the same house as Sherlock. And slowly the two begin to form a partnership…

Being a fan of the original works, I had to watch this thing. Not only is the leads female, they actually are FEMALE! Lol! I love how natural and perfect they were for their characters, especially Wato (Watson). I know the main lead is Sherlock, but she was kind of like the “typical Sherlock” you would see. I love how human Wato was, but then again Watson is the one character I like more in the original story as well… Anyways.. The drama is well acted, the screenplay well executed, and storyline is also good. Though I felt the ending was a bit rushed, but that might be because there is so much happening, but oh well.

To sum up: a good drama and an interesting watch.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Mystery Queen Review

Title: Mystery Queen 2

AKA: Queen of Mystery 2

Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Romance

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2018-Feb to 2018-Apr

Cast: Choi Kang Hee, Kwong Sang Woo, Lee Da Hee and Park Byung Eun.

This drama continues where the last left off.

Yoo Seol Ok (Choi Kang Hee) got divorced from her prosecutor husband, and now lives with her best friend Kim Kyung Min (Kim Hyun Sook). The two are both trying to get into the police academy, though Seol Ok still helps Ha Wan Seung (Kwong Sang Woo) with cases during her free time. Unfortunately, Seol Ok isn’t able to make the cut for the academy, even though Kyung Min does. And while trying to study and/or find places to do so, she gets involved in several cases - which she, with Wan Seung, tries t solve.

During a case they encounter Jung Hee Yeon (Lee Da Hee), who runs several cake shops around Seoul. Though her personality is nice and very likeable, there seems to be a deeper truth behind her interest in Wan Sung... 

After watching season one, I was intrigued to watch this season, since I felt the previous one had been lacking a lot of different things. I like that they tried to make the love story of these two with a sense of humor, unfortunately that became boring half way through, and I lost interest. Even the “jealousy” parts were boring, though I admit, I laughed at them. I like that we were introduced to the families of the characters, and I like that they added new characters that recurred. Though the main story was boring - the thing with Wan Seungs past - the small stories were alright. Truth be told, this drama isn’t memorable. It has funny moments, but fails, if you ask me, in the serious parts, and has a bad story line.

My verdict is the same as I mentioned in the first season: this drama is okay, with decent acting.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Misty Review

Title: Misty

Genre: Drama, Suspense, Mystery

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2018-Feb to 2018-Mar

Cast: Kim Nam Joo, Ji Jin Hee, Jeon Hye Jin, Im Tae Kyung and Go Joon.

Go Hye Ran (Kim Nam Joo) is the top announcer, famous for her beauty and ability to stay relevant for seven years. This has taken a toll on her marriage with her husband Kang Tae Wook (Ji Jin Hee), a prosecutor from a wealthy family. The two rarely talk, and only stay together because of the title.

When her boss pressures her to step down, to have a younger announcer fill the seat, Hye Ran is given the last opportunity to save the seat, by doing a special on the famous American-Korean golfer Lee Jae Young (Go Joon). But when she meets him, she realizes that he is her past lover she had left, right before marrying Tae Wook. Jae Young has a vendetta against Hye Ran and to make matters worse, he is now married to her childhood friend Seo Eun Joo (Jeon Hye Jin).

Bewildered by the situation, unwilling to let out a scandal, afraid to ruin her position, and determined to keep her position, she decides to work with Jae Young, even if it means to be terrorized by him.

But when he is found dead, all evidence points to Hye Ran, so Tae Wook decides to defend her - and everything is turned upside down…

When I first heard about this drama, I really liked the premise, and it seemed to be a bit different than the usual k-dramas out there. Though I finished it, and I kind of did watch it because of the story, I didn’t expect it to be so dark and quite frankly twisted. The entire thing was made in dark colors, and the characters were much complicated than your usual k-drama. Unfortunately, that didn’t make this drama better, it just made seem like a spiral of cruelty and sorrow. You are not aware of this while watching it, but by the ending depression sinks in, as it really is a gloomy drama. The drama does give you small hopes along the way, only to crash in the end… And God I disliked the ending. Not because the ending was bad, but how it was executed…

Acting wise: good, even though it’s the first time watching Kim Nam Joo act, so I have nothing to compare it with.

So all in all, do I recommend? I don’t really know - not something I would watch again…

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

Bokura no Yuuki - Miman City SP

Title: Bokura no Yuuki – Miman City Special

AKA: Our Courage – Miman City Special

Genre: Sci-fi, Mystery, Suspense

Broadcast date: 21 July 2017

Cast: Domoto Koichi, Domoto Tsuyoshi, Matsumoto Jun, Aiba Masaki, Kohara Yuki and Mukai Osamu.

20 years ago, Shindo Yamato (Domoto Koichi), Takigawa Takeru (Domoto Tsuyoshi), Eguchi Morio (Matsumoto Jun), Inagawa Akira (Aiba Masaki) and Okamoto Kiichi (Kohara Yuki) made a promise to reunite again at Makuhara. 20 years later, they meet again, but only Yamato, Takeru and Akira arrive, and the Makuhara they know, now looks completely different than it used to. The city has been trying to get on its feet after the cover up, and a lot of money has been invested in the rebuild.

One year later both Yamato and Takeru realize that something weird is happening with Akira, and while asking around they find out that he has been asking around for money. Morio had turned Akira down, and wants nothing to do with the past, so the duo decides to find him. Soon enough they realize that Makuhara isn't as safe as it is made out to be, but compared to before they might be too grown up to deal with the threat...

If you haven't watched the 1997 drama this summary might very well confuse you. I remember the drama being one of the first dramas I had watched in my early drama watching days, and I was so hooked due to the 'dark' elements of it. This special took me right back to those days, but it also took it up a notch. I was amazed that I didn't see 20 years of difference in their acting, and the reality of 'becoming a grownup' is so clear even in this special. Of course, I noticed things (such as lacking acting and lousy cover up) that made my eyebrows wrinkle, but it doesn't ruin the overall experience. It made me very nostalgic, and happy.

To sum up: a good special of the continuation story, of the 1997 drama – but I would recommend to watch the drama before the special.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Secret Forest Review

Title: Secret Forest

AKA: Forest of Secrets / Stranger

Genre: Drama, Legal, Law, Mystery, Thriller

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2017-Jun to 2017-Jul

Cast: Cho Seung Woo, Bae Doo Na, Yoo Jae Myung and Lee Joon Hyuk.

Hwang Shi Mok (Cho Seung Woo) is prosecutor known for his cold and logical attitude. He is never fazed by anything, and has no greed for power or money. Unbeknown to everyone else, he had a brain surgery as a kid, which changed his emotional status, unable to show emotions and has a lack of them as well. As a grownup he has learned to use this logical mind for justice, as that is one thing he values. Though this value isn't appreciated by everyone.

One day everything is set into turmoil when a "sponsor" for the wealthy and powerful is murdered in his home, and Shi Mok is the first on sight. Trying to preserve the scene, he meets Han Yeo Jin (Bae Doo Na) a police officer as bent on justice as he is, but is more open to working with prosecutors than her co-workers.

After catching the suspect, and putting him behind bars, Yeo Jin finds some evidence that might just put everything back to square one. This also shakes thing up with the higher ups, so the duo starts to do their own investigations, and they find that they are each others’ counterparts, making them perfect partners to take down the corrupt...

This drama has two of my very favorite actors in the lead, which is why even though the storyline didn't speak to me at first, the two made me start it. As the drama progressed, the drama did also, and thankfully it just became better and better. I have to say though that the drama would not be as good if there were other actors in the leads, and to be fair it is very legal/investigatory, so it can be a bit boring for those that aren't into those things. It has quite a lot of talking, and not so much action when comparing, but I personally didn't feel any loss because of it. Another thing I really enjoyed was that there wasn't any love story - at least not a forced one, which makes it much more focused on the story.

So all in all, a great story and superb acting – but it is based on the legal part, so if that is not your thing, you might not agree with the rating.

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Kizoku Tantei Review

Title: Kizoku Tantei

AKA: Noble Detective

Genre: Detective, Mystery, Comedy

Episodes: 11

Broadcast period: 2017-Apr to 2017-Jun

Theme song: I’ll be there by Arashi

Cast: Aiba Masaki, Takei Emi, Namase Katsuhisa, Kinami Haruka and Okayama Amane.

Takatou Aika (Takei Emi) is a young detective, working at her master Kitami Kirikos (Igawa Haruka) detective agency. She hasn’t had a breakthrough even though she spends most of her time focusing on cases and her work - she rarely gets a deduction right.

Everything changes when she one-day encounters “The Noble Detective” (Aiba Masaki). Nothing is known about his except that he identifies himself as such, and that he is an aristocrat with a lot of money. All his deductions and investigations are carried out by his staff, and he spends most of his time entertaining young women involved in the cases.

Completely befuddled by his way of “being a detective”, Aika decides to prove to him what a real detective is, and competes with his in solving cases. Soon she realizes that The Noble Detective has some past with his master, and she starts to investigate him, but the further she goes, the less she is sure…

When I watched the first episode I wasn’t hooked at all, then when I continued I found the first drama ever that I couldn’t guess the ending off till the very last episode. That not only made me intrigued, but also looking forward to every week to see if the things I had guessed were right.

The acting in this drama was good, and the storyline is weird, though it grows on you quite fast. I must say that I didn’t expect to enjoy it that much, and for the first time ever I hadn’t noticed the small hints that were given throughout the series. When the last episode came out, I was surprised that I hadn’t connected the dots. And this made me realize how nice it must be not to be able to guess the ending. (Ha ha ha)

All in all, a weird yet good drama, with good acting, and they managed to ‘fool’ me, so a “well done detective drama”.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥½ / 3½ out of 5 hearts

Ouroboros Review

Title: Ouroboros

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Action

Episodes: 10

Broadcast period: 2015-Jan to 2015-Mar

Cast: Oguri Shun, Ikuta Toma and Ueno Juri.

Growing up as orphans Ryuzaki Ikuo and Danno Tatsuya never had a place they called home, until they arrive at a children’s home run by Kashiwaba Yuiko (Hirosue Ryoko). The two grow very fond of Yuiko, due to her caring personality and big heart, and start seeing her as the only adult they trust.

Everything changes drastically when they one-night witness four men leaving a bleeding Yuiko, after shooting her. This leads them to vow, to find the men, take revenge, and kill them. Several years later, they both are grown: Ryuzaki Ikuo (Ikuta Toma) is a detective with a perfect arrest record, and Danno Tatsuya (Oguri Shun) is a don in the underworld. Waiting for opportunities and clues to find the assailants behind Yuikos killers.

After an alleged suicide, Ikuo arrives at the crime scene and becomes the partner of Hibino Mizuki (Ueno Juri). Soon they find out that the suicide isn’t a suicide, and suddenly the clues start dropping.

The two start their mission, now without caring about their capture…

This is one of the few revenge dramas that I’ve enjoyed in my 10+ years of watching dramas. It is a typical drama meaning a tiny bit cliché, but with good twist - had me wondering a few times. I like that it was delivered as it is, and was not apologetic about its characters. We were made aware from the beginning how things are, and how the situation will be. And yet we are wondering at the end, if there might be a better life for these guys in the future.

This is as said one of the few ‘revenge’ dramas I like, and funnily enough it once again stars Ikuta Toma (the other revenge drama I enjoyed is Maou in which he stars in). Oguri and Ikuta are amazing actors, so the duo is actually perfect in almost every sense. At first, I didn’t really understand Ueno Juri had to be in it - they didn’t use her characters potential at all, but she is interesting to watch, and a great actress, so it’s not a complete waste.

To sum up: a great drama with good plot and great screenplay. Recommendable!

☆☆☆☆½ / 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥♥ / 5 out of 5 hearts

Mystery Queen Review

Title: Mystery Queen

AKA: Queen of Mystery

Genre: Mystery, Comedy

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2017-Apr to 2017-May

Cast: Choi Kang Hee, Kwong Sang Woo, Lee Won Geun, Ahn Kil Kang and Shin Hyun Bin.

Yoo Seol Ok (Choi Gang Hee) is a housewife and the wife of a prosecutor. She dreamt of becoming a detective in order to solve the death of her parents, but decided to give it up when her husband promised her he would do that once he became a high profiled prosecutor. But doing deductions is something she loves, so she solves small cases like theft with the local police officer Hong Joon Oh (Lee Won Geun). All this she does behind the backs of her husband and mother-in-law. While solving a locker-theft case, she gets involved in a drug case, and soon she meets Ha Wan Seung (Kwon Sang Woo), a detective slightly keener to use his muscles rather than head. The two can’t get along at first, but when a case pulls them together, they find a middle ground and start working together…

I wasn’t expecting to watch this drama as they plot didn’t seem very appealing at first, but somehow, it’s addictive. Everything from the duos squabbling to the cat-and-mouse hiding game with the husband and mother-in-law, to the crimes: it just keeps you watching.

I am not really fond of Choi Gang Hees dramas (except Heart to Heart) as they’ve become stereotypical and the characters she plays are the same. Or at least the personalities of her characters seem the same – I don’t feel a difference. Kwon Sang Woo I haven’t seen in much, so I could guess he does an okay/average job, though I enjoyed him more than her. So, acting wise: a decent drama. The main storyline is okay, just not really rememberable – again typical. I bet in a few weeks I won’t even remember it.

To sum up: an okay drama with decent acting.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥ / 3 out of 5 hearts

God's Gift - 14 Days Review

Title: God’s Gift – 14 Days

Genre: Suspense, Mystery

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2014-Mar to 2014-Apr

Cast: Lee Bo Young, Cho Seung Woo, Kim Tae Woo, Jung Gyu Woon, Baro, Han Sun Hwa, No Min Woo and Kim Yoo Bin.

Kim Soo Hyun (Lee Bo Young) had it all: a successful career, a prosecutor husband and a beautiful daughter Han Saet Byul (Kim Yoo Bin). Though a little rough, Soo Hyun is a loving mother and has a loving relationship with her husband. Everything changes when her daughter gets kidnapped. After a failed investigation, her daughter’s body is found by the river, and Soo Hyun becomes depressed. Unable to forgive herself, she decides to kill herself by drowning. At the same time former detective, now turned private investigator Ki Dong Chan (Jo Seung Woo), is caught by the mafia for investigating their boss. He is shot and thrown into the same river at the same time, but miraculously wakes ups, and saves Soo Hyun. The two emerge from the water, and soon find out that the world aren’t as they left it. They have both returned two weeks before the kidnapping of Saet Byul. 

At first Soo Hyun thinks of it as a dream, but as things seem to repeat themselves, she realizes that she needs to figure out how to save her daughter. And with the involvement of Ki Chan, they soon find out that there are more secrets behind the kidnapping than they initially thought…

This drama is one of those drama that took me so long to finish, mainly because the hype has settled down and the reviews weren’t that positive. When I started it, I was amazed by the acting (especially Jo Seung Woo, who I am a fan of) and the suspense, but very soon I noticed why it got disliked – the storyline just goes downhill fast. I don’t know what they were thinking while writing it, but it just was way too much. Too many secrets and too many twists, leading up to a climax which was dumb and completely out of the blue. Even the acting couldn’t save this one.

I remember finishing and kind of wondering, why did I watch this? I didn’t find it bad, yet it felt like a waste of time. But that is what you get with overly hyped drama I guess.

To sum up: not recommendable, but good acting from everyone involved.

☆☆☆½ / 3½ out of 5 stars

♥♥½ / 2½ out of 5 hearts

Voice (Kdrama) Review

Title: Voice

Genre: Mystery, Crime, Police, Action

Episodes: 16

Broadcast period: 2017-Jan to 2017-Mar

Cast: Jang Hyuk, Lee Ha Na, Baek Sung Hyun, Yesung, Son Eun Seo and Kim Jae Wook.

Moo Jin Hyuk (Jang Hyuk) is a detective with a horrible temper. He works at the crime unit, and is known as the “mad dog” because of his ability to track and see through a case. But that changes when his wife is found brutally murdered in an ally. Out of grief and anger, he refuses to go home untill he finds the murderer. The team manages to find a suspect, but because of an operator called Kang Kwon Joo (Lee Ha Na), who says that the killer is the same person who killed her father, the case is dismissed and the suspect flees the country.

Three years later Jin Hyuk is now a traffic cop, working odd hours. Kwon Joo who had been out of the country for all the time, returns to the police station with the idea of starting a “Golden Team”, meaning an operator sending out a team of detectives to save a 911-caller within 10 minutes of calling. Her ideal is having Jin Hyuk working with her. At first Jin Hyuk refuses, but after hearing the plea of the victim he decided to set out. The two slowly find out that they aren’t that different, and that they have a common goal: to find the one who murdered their loved ones…

Firstly, the drama is much more exciting than my summary, so if you went “ah that’s boring”, it is not!

This drama made me anxious, excited and thrilled for next weekend, so I could watch the next episode. This os an OCN drama, but compared to many other dramas, this one is so ‘real’ (with the blood and grotesque nature of people). Of course, a bit lacking here and there, but the TABOO about “being too violent”.

The acting was okay, though I am not a fan of Jang Hyuk’s acting. And the female actress was likewise, not great – just about average. The storyline and screenplay are both well-executed, so it isn’t as important about them, but occasionally is annoys you. As a general the drama is great. Most recommendable.

☆☆☆☆½/ 4½ out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Kamji’s Verdict

Actually this drama didn’t work out for me, it was very hard to finish it. Even though I’m a big fan of thriller and crime dramas, this one was just not my cup of tea. Maybe because I felt like Jang Hyuk’s character was really annoying. I get his back story and everything, but still I find him very hard to understand. When working with the police force, there are rules to follow. He Just did whatever he liked. The concept with her hearing the smallest sound, and with that figuring it out was not very well worked out. It dragged out in places where it should be suspenseful, but instead it became boring. What I did like, was the villain. Everything about him was pure crazy, it kinda grew on me. So the last episodes where he had more screentime where the best ones. Anyway, all in all, a failure for me.

☆☆☆   / 3 out of 5 stars

♥♥ (1/2)/ 2 (1/2) out of 5 hearts