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[KDRAMA REVIEW] Our Beloved Summer

I am a sucker for slow-burn romances, angst and all that and this one is just right up my alley!!! If you love those things, I definitely recommend OBS for you! To be honest, my mind's a little clouded and I am not yet done crying as I am drafting this but I want to write this as soon as possible so I won't forget the feeling.

Note: I want this to be as spoiler free as possible but I might have spoiled some minor things.

Our Beloved Summer is one of my most anticipated dramas; Wooshik's acting got me ever since I saw him in Train to Busan and I really liked Dami's performance in Itaewon Class. I haven't watched The Witch Part I yet though but yes, I'm planning to watch it soon (maybe this weekend?). Initially, I expected this as a typical rom-com drama where they were high school friends whose relationship developed through the years and ended up as lovers in the present. Amazingly, adding up the ex-lovers trope SERIOUSLY SEALED THE DEAL FOR ME. However, I started the drama 3 weeks late because I was trying to finish another drama before committing myself to OBS. Since reading the plot, I was pretty sure that I won't be able to finish any other drama once I start this because I will be so invested in it. Turns out I was right and thankfully, I managed finishing my previously currently watching drama before starting it.

Watching Our Beloved Summer was such a treat because the story-telling and transition is so smooth even though we have two timelines - the past and present lives (or documentary) of Ung and Yeonsoo. Even with this, I never felt confused while watching which is a plus for me as I get confused with alternating timelines easily. Additionally, I LOVE the OSTs! The songs play just in time to make a scene more meaningful and emotional which was very effective in triggering my tears most of the time. I have also read the OST translations and I kid you not, being able to know the meaning behind the lyrics adds up to the emotional effect of the songs every time it's played in a certain scene. I never NOT cried hearing There For You ever since I read the translations, I swear! The lyrics are related to their story, it felt like they're Yeonsu and Ung's letters for each other. It was such a wonderful feeling being able to watch a drama that can make you feel like you are also involved in the story because watching Our Beloved Summer made me feel like I was watching Ung and Yeonsu’s story behind Ji Ung's lenses.

Dami and Wooshik went above and beyond my expectations! The ✨chemistry✨ was over the top, their micro-expressions and the little details they add in their acting (e.g., those on cue tears, facial expressions, little adlibs, etc.) made a big difference and they definitely owned Yeonsu and Ung. They made themselves as their characters and it's hard to imagine different actors playing the roles they played in this drama. Actually, the supporting characters did a stellar job as well! This is why I really liked the ending: they gave their friends and family their well-deserved spotlights in the last episode! Honestly, this is one of the best endings I have ever watched, they wrapped it up so beautifully I'm so speechless, all I did was cry happy tears.

Our Beloved Summer is not just about ex-lovers meeting and falling in love again but instead, it's a tale of two individuals finding the path in confronting their fears and past that haunts them, being able to overcome these with the help of the people they love most and of course, themselves. It's about acceptance of past mistakes, forgiveness and growth. They also perfectly showed that healing is a painful process but it isn't impossible to overcome if you have the right mindset and a good set of support system - that quality is better than quantity and communication is always the key. And most importantly, it showed us the beauty in finding a love you thought was lost and it taught us to trust the process - that there's always a chance in discovering what you truly want for yourself and being happy again.

It's heartwarming to see the relationship and dynamics they have with the people around them. Even though small in numbers but it is of good quality - just what they needed. It made me realize that having just the right amount of people you can trust is the life I wish to have. Having these people around and sometimes telling them what they needed to hear allowed them to grow outside their comfort zones and realize, albeit later than I expected, how lucky they are for having them in the good and bad times of their life. Being able to witness their journey was such a ride and I'd love to experience it all over again by re-watching it!

Thinking of it, the plot is simple but it was written and executed so beautifully and will most certainly stay in my heart for a long time. The way they showed us the different love languages being present in the leads' relationship added a different kind of intimacy to the scenes, it's such a wonderful thing to watch. The journey was full of tears, happy and sad, but definitely worth it! My only complaint is that I thought this was a rom-com but why do I feel like I cried most of the time? Lol. But still, 100/10!

Thank you OBS team! That was a good run. I'll probably have a hard time watching a new series so I'll just bask into the OBS greatness for now.

[cesimnida]

S4 E44 ✰ the boys in bangtopia!

[cesimnida]

[KDRAMA REVIEW] Youth of May

The first time I watched Youth of May’s trailer, I knew it will be painful. I was so ready to be hurt, what I wasn’t ready for is that it will be THIS painful.

On the second week of airing, it came to my attention that the drama was based on a true historical event, the Gwangju Uprising. Upon knowing, I was quick to research stuff about it and read things I can find in the internet to “fill” myself in regarding this event. It was a good idea because I was able to understand and appreciate better what the drama is for. I loved the drama for airing it on May since the event happened on May 1980 and despite being shorter than most dramas, it’s still one of the dramas that left a big mark to me.

Youth of May isn’t just a beautiful and well-written show, it’s not just a love story, it’s an eye-opener - a story of finding out what's important for you and being brave to fight for it. In this drama, they - especially the youth, were fighting for a long sought-after democracy. As a non-Korean watcher and as someone who was introduced to the Gwangju Uprising because of the drama, I’m very thankful to the staff and people behind this masterpiece for informing and telling us a story that isn’t talked-about enough but definitely a story everyone should know about.

The cast did a stellar job in giving life to the characters we loved… and hated. I also appreciate that the show was not scared to take that route in the end – it made me love the show more because of its ending. Yes, it was painful but for this drama, I think it was necessary to let the viewers know that The Gwangu Uprising really happened, that it is true, and a lot of people were affected by it… even now. It wasn’t just MyungHee, HeeTae, and our beloved casts but there are a lot of people – true people - who loved, fought and lost someone dear that May 1980.

Thank you, show, for opening our eyes and reminding us not to forget and not to take advantage of the freedom we have now.

I hope that we all fight bravely once we all find our own Mudeung Stadium.

[cesimnida]

[KDRAMA REVIEW] Do You Like Brahms?

Honestly, I can’t seem to wrap my head around the fact that we won’t be getting new episodes of Do You Like Brahms? anymore. Also, I can’t decide what to write because my thoughts are still all over the place about the ending and the whole drama (in a good way!!!). It’s kind of bittersweet to say good bye to a drama so beautifully-written like this but just as the saying goes, all good things come to an end. So… let’s all keep the memories in our hearts -- forever.

This drama easily made it to my favorites. It just hits home so much. I’m gonna try my best not to spoil anything in this review.

Do You Like Brahms? is a story about dreaming and trying your best to achieve it. No matter how hard, scary, or what people say, you try. That there’s beauty in trying and trusting yourself that you can do it. Yes, the result might not be what you expected but there’s always a reason for everything and you might find what you’re truly looking for along the way. It’s also a story of letting go - a story of finding the courage to quit and to let go of something you love but doesn’t see a future in; yes, it’s going to be painful and scary but it takes a good amount of bravery to be able to take a step back and go the other way instead of pursuing something that causes you pain instead of happiness. It’s not about being a coward, it’s about putting yourself first. It’s about being able to love something from afar and just being happy in doing so and not expecting it to love you back. Lastly and most importantly, it’s a story of love and loving again. That it's possible to love and dream even if you know that you can get hurt again. Dreaming is the best talent anyone can have, after all. That’s what our Joon Youngie told us, right?

I can’t thank this show enough for being the drama I never knew I needed - just like how our main characters thought when the show started. Their story unfolded and progressed so naturally and beautifully. Like what I said, they never knew they needed each other but when they met, they just clicked and magic happened. The story wasn’t just rainbows and unicorns - to be honest, it was far from it. The show had its own share of conflicts, conflicts that made our hearts hurt -- made us cry, even. But the show had a certain charm of drawing you into its story and will give you a hard time to let go because it’s just SO beautiful.

I can never shut up on how much I loved the show but I want to applaud everyone behind it. The story-telling was superb, the cinematography was amazing, the pacing, even the script - they were all beautiful. Let’s not forget how domesticated and lowkey our leads’ relationship was -- they find beauty and happiness in the simplest of things and it amazes me how those simple moments can also make us smile. The cast; Oh, the cast! How lovely it was to be able to watch all of these amazing actors bring out beloved characters to life. Thank you for 16 amazing episodes (and behind the scenes/making videos!!!) we will forever love and cherish. Thank you for reminding us to love and dream again. Thank you and we’ll definitely miss you, Brahms team!

Oh, of course. 11/10. Definitely recommended!

[cesimnida]

I just found out Hae In won Best New Actor for Tune In For Love in the 56th Grand Bell Awards!!! Congratulations, love. Well deserved! Congratulations to all the winners as well.

[MOVIE REVIEW] Tune in for Love

10/10!

Probably a very late review and this is the second time I watched this film but, yes, I cried – again.

Spoiler: the movie had a lot of time skips but it never felt like it was rushed or a certain scene was just a filler. I’m not sure if you’ll get me but every word, every scene and every glance has a meaning. It was like being with them in their decade-long journey.

What’s amazing is it didn’t have much dialogue, but Go Eun and Hae In did a very beautiful job in giving justice to our characters. Their subtle glances, the change in their facial expressions - everything, actually - gave more meaning to every scene.

Also, the directing was superb, the choice of music, camera angles were done so beautifully. You know those kind of angles you thought might not work but it did? That’s how this movie was. It was done so perfectly, I was in awe. The wardrobe, tone and the mood was calm and intimate. It was a breath of fresh air.

Lastly, it made me realize that love is patient and timing is sometimes cruel – we all just have to have faith that what’s for you will eventually come.

[cesimnida]

Currently Watching

Currently Watching

Since we’re under Enhanced Community Quarantine because of the COVID-19 situation, I may or may not have started a handful of Kdramas. Just listing down the dramas I have yet to finish. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to finish all of them, though...

Romantic Dr. Kim - I’m still on episode 1

Hi Bye Mama - Episode 6 (???)

Itaewon Class - Episode 10

Touch Your Heart - Episode 4

[cesimnida]

[KDRAMA REVIEW] A Piece Of Your Mind

11/10 and I'm not even kidding!!!

I'm utterly devastated that this drama was cut short from 16 episodes down to 12. Apparently, it didn't appeal to Korean viewers that much and has low viewer ratings... sigh.

Note: I may throw spoilers then and there on this review.

I've watched a lot of dramas but there are shows that will stay with you for a long, long time. This drama is one of it.

It was well-written and was able to overcome a sudden number of episode change without failing to give the closure we needed at the end of the last episode. I'm having a very hard time finding the right words because all I can think of is that it's so so beautiful and moving. I am so happy I was able to watch and witness it.

The story wasn't about grand gestures but it was about the simple things and how those simple things matter. There was only one, imagine... ONE KISS the entire drama. JUST ONE. But did I ever doubt the love of our leads for each other? NEVER. That's how special it was, their love can be seen in their gazes or tight hugs or how they smile at one another. With those, you’ll still feel that they love and needed each other.

I want to list down some of my favorite things in the drama:

Eun Joo's homestay - Seo Woo's semi-basement, that chair outside their home and the blinking street light and of course, that corner in the kitchen outside Eun Joo's room where they get drunk together and share some of the most touching scenes of the drama

The studio - where our hero and heroine first met, the studio Ji Soo loved and where Ha Won had his first good sleep in a long time

Wokin-dong House - Won and Seo Woo's home, where they eventually came back. I never knew I'll cry over a clothesline ever in my life but this drama made me do it

Seo Woo and Ha Won's relationship - it wasn't what they expected; but little did they know, it’s what they needed. They complete each other and they know that well. I love their maturity and how they got each other's backs - no matter what. They know exactly what to say and still say it even if it hurts - most especially when it hurts. Their gazes, hugs and all those eye contacts.

Probably all the relationships in the story - Soon Ho and Ha Won, Eun Joo and Min Jung, In Wook and Soon Ho, Hoon and Ha Won, Ji Soo and In Wook, Ji Soo and Ha Won, Ji Soo and Seo Woo and everyone in the homestay

How empathetic Seo Woo was.

Seo Woo, our lovabe Seo Woo being able to go back to her hometown and overcome her trauma

The way Ha Won always smiles when he sees Seo Woo or the way his facial expressions change when he sees Seo Woo. Like that scene where he was very angry at Mr. Kang but his expression suddenly changed from anger to worry when he saw Seo Woo. Ahh, yes, those little things…

When we thought Ha Won will be off the grid because Soon Ho didn't allow him to confront In Wook in the studio and we find him sitting in the chair in front of Eun Joo's homestay, waiting for Seo Woo just to get a hug -- they didn't speak but the scene was so meaningful, powerful, even. Because in that single hug, we know, Seo Woo is his home

In Wook getting over his slump and finally finds peace and the truth that his wife loves and wants to support him through even though it was painful at first for her

Ha Won giving the letter to In Wook regardless of how In Wook's actions has damaged him. It must have been devastatingly hard but he still did - because it was for the better. Because it was what has to be done for them to totally move on.

And lastly, Ha Won realizing his point of reaction was his mom, not Ji Soo, after all. And him finally getting the love he deserves from Seo Woo and vice-versa

I loved how that even though our characters crumbled but they still faced their problems or traumas head-on eventually. I felt proud watching them overcome their milestones - may it be big or small. It made me realize that it takes courage to move on and having people that supports you all throughout your journey will come a long way.

This drama has a warm-vibe theme, I am not knowledgeable with cinematography and stuff but I really liked that hug scene under the cherry blossom trees - it was so pretty!!! The acting was on point - lead or not, they all gave life to their characters so well. It has this certain beauty I couldn't quite explain but it was so heartwarming to watch. The flow keeps you intrigued enough to keep watching. I heard that some people are complaining that it was boring because it was slow-paced, but for me, it was perfect as it is - I saw our characters taking their time to heal, to understand each other and finally fall in love. Their story unfolded right before our eyes; so slowly, delicately, piece by piece, and ended so strikingly beautiful.

It showed different ways of how people cope up with grief and how people react to it. There were times that I wanted to be mad at some of them but in the end, I can't because deep in my heart, I understand their situation. My heart legit hurts in some scenes. It's amazing how the actors portrayed this so well - to the point that even the viewers feel their pain. I often pause the video while watching to process things and sometimes whisper to myself how good they all are in their craft.

I told a friend that watching this drama was like getting a big comforting hug from someone you needed -- it was therapeutic. It wasn't just a simple story of love - it was a story of loss, sadness, grief, getting up, moving on and loving from afar; a story of growth, love, inner peace and finding the meaning of life once again.

I'm not sure if this is just me but I'd like to think that the title was a play with words because while they were getting a piece of someone's mind in the story, little did they know they gave me peace of mind.✨

[cesimnida]

[MOVIE REVIEW] Tune in for Love

10/10!

Probably a very late review and this is the second time I watched this film but, yes, I cried -- again.

Spoiler: the movie had a lot of time skips but it never felt like it was rushed or a certain scene was just a filler. I'm not sure if you'll get me but every word, every scene and every glance has a meaning. It was like being with them in their decade-long journey.

What's amazing is it didn't have much dialogue, but Go Eun and Hae In did a very beautiful job in giving justice to our characters. Their subtle glances, the change in their facial expressions - everything, actually - gave more meaning to every scene.

Also, the directing was superb, the choice of music, camera angles were done so beautifully. You know those kind of angles you thought might not work but it did? That's how this movie was. It was done so perfectly, I was in awe. The wardrobe, tone and the mood was calm and intimate. It was a breath of fresh air.

Lastly, it made me realize that love is patient and timing is sometimes cruel -- we all just have to have faith that what's for you will eventually come.

[cesimnida]

AlDub - 4 years later

I am not sure why I'm writing about them 4 and a half years later since they were shown on TV. If you'd ask a Filipino if they know them, most probably they would say yes - I don't think everyone's a fan but I'm pretty sure almost everyone knows them because once, they were on top (they still might be, if they were still active as a love team, but we'll never know now).

Last Saturday, I was trying to fold my clothes - well, this is a weekly thing. Usually, I play songs while doing this. But this week, I decided to play a movie. At first, I wanted to play a Koreanovela since I'm behind my episodes already but I don't have the luxury to focus on the subtitles while folding so I decided to choose a Filipino Movie instead. While browsing Netflix, I came across Imagine You and Me - AlDub's first movie together as the main characters. This sent me to a trip down memory lane and that night, when I was about to sleep (I wasn't able to sleep though!!!), I found myself watching Kalyeserye videos all over again - and yes, I still got kilig and giddy (THE MAGIC IS STILL THERE) while watching.

I've always thought they'd be together but we all know it never happened. They're still friends, though - as far as I know (I read Maine's blog). I've always wondered what happened, why did IT died down. Was it because of poor management? Or was it because being together physically doesn't amount to the spontaneity of being on split-screen. Again, we'll never know. BUT, I honestly think that no love team has topped what AlDub did on 2015. It will be hard to top that because what AlDub had was something so surprising, even them didn't know it will happen. It just happened on the spot and the rest was history. They got no script, as Maine said in her first year anniversary post, Alden's smile changed their lives -- because that's how it started, Alden smiled.

It was a phenomenon no one expected, it was something so new: no script, no dialogue, just split screen romance no one has ever done before. It clicked because of the rawness, the spontaneity, the simple but very relatable story. Their reactions are so genuine it reflected and sent giddiness outside all our TV screens. Thinking about their popularity and reflecting on it, I'm pretty sure both of them got too pressured with all the expectations of the fans - it must have been so hard for them. That kind of popularity is hard to manage and maintain. The thought of having to think what to do next just to make the fans happy and to top everything they have done previously must have been exhausting for the both of them -- and that's on top of their hectic schedule + dealing with haters!!! What happened to them is surreal; everyone witnessed that. We're lucky enough to witness everything unfold on our TV screens - 6 times a week. Imagine that? 6 out of 7 days a week. That's insane!

I know for sure a lot of us wants them to be together but I think it's healthier for them to stay this way for now - just friends and enjoying the careers and paths they want to pursue. They have more stable careers now and although not together as a loveteam anymore, we can still see them supporting one another through their social media accounts. I think it's amazing they have the friendship they have now and we all know that both of them will support each other because no matter what happens, both of them can go back to the 16th day of July, 2015 where they opened the path to stardom for one another. And so no matter the pressure showbiz might have caused them -- I wish people would stop harassing them and being very toxic towards them, though -- I'm pretty sure both of them are thankful for each other and no one - even us, fans - can ever take that away from them, it's a special bond only them can understand. We all know that although they are NOT romantically linked anymore, both of them cherishes one another just the same. And most importantly, at least right now and I hope also in the future, too - they are both happy. I think that's what matters most, their happiness. They both deserve it. Because at one point in time (even now, actually), that's what they have given us - happiness.

P.S. I'm actually very thankful to their tandem because they kind of suddenly appeared when I was heartbroken. They helped me move on and made me realize that I don't have to be afraid to fall in love again 😅

[cesimnida]

[KDRAMA REVIEW] Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Second Half and Full Drama Review

This might be my favorite drama of all time, I swear, it never failed me, NEVER - since Day One. Never did I tried to watch dramas in RAW but with this, I find myself watching raw episodes at 12AM (1AM KST). Boy, I was and still so whipped. I loved every single episode of this drama and might be the best 16 hours of my life – I swear! The pastel and colorful theme made it so heartwarming, add that up to the actors that gave life and justice to each and every single character. I just cry happy tears from all the cuteness while watching, I also find myself making my friends watch it so that we can spazz in the wee hours of the morning and feel giddy about the cute scenes from our main leads. This show is so cute that even Chubs and Joon Hyung bickering made me feel giddy. It wasn’t cliché and was so realistic. They couldn’t take their hands off of each other because, whether we like it or not, that’s how young love is. They grew and matured together, and they were upfront about each other’s faults and also what they love about each other. The confession scene from Joon Hyung was sweet but Bok Joo confessing back was so romantic; those four kisses in the snow literally had me weak in the knees and I still get goosebumps whenever I try to rewatch it. My standards for guys went all the way up because of Jeong Joon Hyung, seriously. Though I was disappointed at times with Bok Joo for being a little too secretive to her squad, it just shows how people are not perfect and has their own flaws. But it was just right that the two of them (Nan Hee and Seon Ok), together with Tae Kwon, confronted Joon Hyung and Bok Joo, made them pay (literally!!!) and repent for what they have done. It was so cute that they supported both of them the moment they knew about their relationship. Never did the show prolonged a problem because everyone was mature to talk about everything, even after the lead’s awkward first kiss, they talked and didn’t waste any time and resolved everything by talking and confronting each other. Family affairs were also included in the storyline and it showed how family is so important not only in an athlete’s but also in a person’s life. It was great to see them overcome their problems together and also having to see Joon Hyung and Bok Joo supporting each other during the toughest or maybe the lowest moments of their life so far. It was so heartwarming to see Bok Joo rushing to comfort Joon Hyung when he finally knew why his mom went home from Canada. I cry every time one of them cries. I just realized how Bok Joo made Joon Hyung at home - while his family and everyone around him always shower him with compliments, Bok Joo was never afraid to tell him his faults – even when she knows he’s going to be hurt by it. It made Joon Hyung feel normal, that at least one person wasn’t just feeling pity for him but Bok Joo was someone who truly cares for him despite everything. It also tackled mental illnesses and how Joon Hyung and Shi Ho tried to fight their respective problems, I was glad to see the both of them being brave to fight what they were going through and to finally see them being okay and being able to at least feel normal again. I liked how Joon Hyung tried to help Shi Ho get mental assistance from his own doctor and was genuinely concerned about her well-being. Mental illness is no joke and I loved the show more because they took it seriously – all with the getting help from a doctor and all. It was great to see Shi Ho overcome her own slump and started to be happy for her ex-boyfriend and roommate, and finally moving forward by her own . With regards to the side love stories, I am so happy to see Uncle Dae Ho finally getting a girlfriend that is not in the person of Coach Choi because she wouldn’t make him happy. My heart broke with him in the fifteenth episode and I’m very glad to see him happy with a new romantic interest. On the other note, it was cute that the two coaches finally had the chance to continue their own almost-unrequited romance. For Seon Ok and Tae Kwon, well I guess the feelings were mutual and it was adorable to see them having their own little love bubble. I’m just a little sad, though, because Nan Hee, our ever adorable Nan Hee who wanted a boyfriend herself, never got one in the drama. But she’s happy, so I’m happy, too. Lastly, Dr. Jae Yi and Dr. Go, I wasn’t a fan of this loveline but honestly speaking, I liked how Dr. Jae Yi tried to woo her again because she was determined to move on. She deserved being treated the way Dr. Jae Yi finally treated her; she loved him for ten years without him realizing it, and he only found his feelings out when she was almost gone. It’s great that Dr. Jae Yi finally put an effort to make her stay in his life this time. In the final episode, Bok Joo’s dad and Joon Hyung had a heart to heart talk and I teared up at how Joon Hyung told Bok Joo’s father why he likes her, it was adorably honest. It wasn’t even the best description you say to someone’s father, but it was perfectly imperfect. The look on his eyes while telling Abeoji how Bok Joo makes him feel warm: this was so real for their case, as I’ve said before, she was his home. I’m also very happy that Abeoji has finally had a successful kidney transplant – everything has finally paid off for him being a father who sacrificed so much for his baby girl. The finale gave us what we needed the most – closure. Everyone deserves a happy ending, and everyone got what they deserved. Everyone was happy. It wasn’t a crazy episode, it was rather calm and consistently heartwarming – just like the previous fifteen. The finale was so on point and satisfying, it made me somehow accept that it’s over. A gold medal, a long-haired Bok Joo, a graduation, the meeting of the parents, a proposal, and an open-mouth kiss? Might be the best and the most heartwarming finale ever. This drama never disappointed me and it will surely stay in my heart for a very very long time. I know I’m gonna miss this drama for, like, a hundred years but the show itself left us with the best gift: laughter, butterflies and most importantly, reminding us the different kinds of love. I’m gonna miss the craziness, Joon Hyung and Chubs! Props to all the staff of this drama: not anyone can make a drama this consistent and realistic. Thank you breaking all the clichés. Thank you for casting the perfect actors and wonderful acting. Thank you for a beautifully-written drama. Thank you for something I can rewatch when I need some cheering up and heart flutters. Thank you for the sixteen episodes I can hold on to and cherish. I know I’ll have a hard time finding something like this in the future and that’s why it will always have a special place in my heart. We are all so lucky to have experienced this ride. Sad to say, good things also come to an end. Thank you for being my calm in this crazy world, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo! It was a fun and unforgettable journey.

[cesimnida]

I dropped Legend of the Blue Sea and started Goblin...

I'm liking Goblin so far. But no one's gonna stop me from loving Weighlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo above them all.❤️

Current dramas

1. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo 2. Legend of the Blue Sea

[cesimnida]

[KDRAMA REVIEW] Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Mid-drama Review

The first half of the show is over and we have 8 more episodes to go (I can already feel the separation anxiety coming).

I’m writing this right after watching the 7th episode, which, by the way, means that I’m a little fidgety and I can’t contain the *feels* I have for the next episode.

I’ve seen a lot of familiar faces in this drama and I’m not complaining - I just finished Who Are You School 2015 before starting with this and I loved the fact that Nam Joo Hyuk is still a swimmer here. I also personally loved Lee Sung Kyung’s acting in Doctors, as well as Coach as Taek’s Appa in Reply 1988. Song Shi Ho’s rival as the teacher’s pet was also in School 2015 and being an antagonist actually suits her.

Honestly, I did not expect a lot from this drama - being head to head with Legend of the Blue Sea, I actually expected that LOTBS will DEFINITELY have higher ratings because, duh? Lee Min Ho and Jeon Ji Hyun… like what do you expect? But now, I’m actually disappointed at how the ratings are going. Anyway, the title didn’t even made me interested in it AT ALL. But, let’s not talk about that.

The show started surprisingly well, as what I’ve read from dramabeans (my favorite website to visit right after watching an episode to recap all the feels), the first episode was a *solid* one. I liked how the show was able to introduce our main characters well. Though it wasn’t how I wanted to start the show, I liked how the first episode ended - it made me crave for more.

The moment they knew they were childhood friends (or schoolmates???), I knew I was hooked. I loved how clingy our Joon Hyung is… he’s like a puppy. I didn’t like Bok Joo’s excessive pouts at first but I grew accustomed to it. The more I watch the show, I outgrew the annoyance, heh.

The first love thing of Bok Joo is so relatable although her puppy love came to her at 21 years old, she looked like a lost high school girl day dreaming about her crush and plotting unrealistic things to score some love points to Doctor Crush, hihi. Didn’t we all did that at one point of our life or another?

The cutest thing, though, is that the show is taking the end game slowly but surely, they’re making them closer and closer together and gain each other’s trust which I find very very good, since that’s what an ideal relationship is, trusting and loving each other NO MATTER WHAT. This progress is the most realistic progress I’ve ever watched and I’m really enjoying it. I love how they unconsciously take care of each other and how Joon Hyung is soooo unware that he likes Bok Joo… so much. He’s so clingy and so worried about her! I want to know more about his trauma, though, and why does it look like their hiding that to he’s not Dr. Crush’s real brother, that he’s just his cousin?

As much as I want to hate Shi Ho, though, what I really feel for her is pity. She doesn’t have a support system, she doesn’t even have friends, all she has is an ex-boyfriend that firmly doesn’t want to get back with her. But those doesn’t justify her actions, eventhough she regretted it. She has to stop acting impulsively. I also want to know more about her eating problems… I know it’s triggered when she’s stressed but will she overcome it? How?

What I don’t understand is the way Bok Joo’s coaches and Dad reacted when they *caught* her, why did the coaches went straight to her dad rather than trying to ask Bok Joo first. Yes, they have high expectations from her, and yes, Bok Joo’s also at fault here, but when they startle her like that, how will she be able to talk honestly? The Coaches call her dad *sunbaenim* and I assume they know how hot-tempered the guy is, why did they went straight to him??? I want to know more about the *regret* abeoji mentioned when samcheon left him a *drinkable* amount of soju to drink. I want to know more about that, writer-nim, please let us in. Please make us understand why is Bok Joo’s dad is reacting that way.

Also, I seriously feel for Seon Ok, it hurts to be left out - especially when it’s your best friends. I hope they make her understand what happened soon because I don’t see them fighting for a long time. And since I’m talking about friendship, can we all appreciate Joon Hyung’s roommate because he’s so loyal.💞

I cried so much in the 7th episode, I almost thought I’ll have an asthma attack: the emotions were over the top, I can seriously feel the stress of Bok Joo. And I loved the way Joon Hyung tried (and successfully) cheered her up. I loved how she cried in her Coach’s lap and I loved that lipstick scene with her dad. Lee Sung Kyung’s acting and crying??? Oh gosh, I cry with her… EVERYTIME. I actually salute her for being able to pull this off (and the excessive pouts doesn’t show up too often now!!!). Can we just know a little about her mother, though? More back story from our heroine, please. I think I know more about Joon Hyung than the girl who this drama is named before.

Joon Hyung, oh boy, I love you. I love how his eyes sparkle when he sees Bok Joo, and I love how he doesn’t even know how he feels for her, YET. Imagine how this puppy would react when he finally realize what he truly feels for our heroine. His acting really improved, not over the top but those sudden cringe and eye sparkles????? Those gestures gets me every.freaking.time.

//edit before posting (I just finished Ep 8) Oh my God??? The preview!!! And I love that Dr. Crush will finally be able to know her secret. Personally, the open-forum of the swag sisters made me cry because… the bond that they have? That’s what true friends are!!!! The rooftop scene of Joon Hyung and Bok Joo is so sweet and innocent. What I’m spazzing over that scene is that Bok Joo doesn’t really care at all (and I can sense the adlib!!!!!!). I can also see the vast difference on how Joon Hyung treats Shi Ho and Bok Joo: for Shi Ho, he’s cold but still treats her gentlemanly, just like how an ex-boyfriend should be. He still treats her with respect and care for her enough, he just don’t want to get back with her - and I want Shi Ho to realize that soon. For Bok Joo, it’s so cute that Joon Hyun is practically scared to make her mad and goes all over the place apologizing to her when he’s done her wrong. Oh, this guy is too sweet and clingy.

All in all, the show is what I look forward to every week. We have 8 more episodes to go, and I hope this ends beautifully like how it all started.

[cesimnida]

Current dramas

1. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo 2. Legend of the Blue Sea

[cesimnida]

Bloggers' Note:Hello, cesimnida here!

I finally had the guts to make a new blog dedicated to review dramas because watching is what I only practically do other than working at the office. Just a little introduction, I'm from the Philippines and currently 21 years old - started watching dramas since I was in 3rd grade (yes, Meteor Garden, yay!). I mostly watch what I can but I also drop dramas I just can't bear to watch. I mostly blabber about the feels I get from an episode and my recaps may be per episode, or half-way or maybe all-in-one after the last episode. But since I have a blog now, I might be able to review per episode since I can blabber it here than write 100 140-character tweets every after episode. PS. Site is still under construction and I mostly post from my phone, I hope I'd be able to work my way around the html of my blog so that I'd have all the tags and dramas organized. I hope you guys enjoy reading the blog as much as I love writing reviews!