Veronica Park
-
Posts
585 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Posts posted by Veronica Park
-
-
Spoiler
I applaud this show and everyone involved in it for bringing life to these characters. They were very well-researched and extensively written. How on earth will Hyun-su be able to recover from this new revelation? All his adult life, he protected his name as “Baek Hee-sung” and erased his past as Do Hyun-su. He never looked back on his previous life – hometown, sister, everything. He wanted to become a better person for Ji-won. He wanted to keep living as Baek Hee-sung for his little family. But then, the truth bomb drops and suddenly the name Baek Hee-sung is the most evil being on earth! He dropped his identity as Do Hyun-su, the murderer’s son, and lived as Baek Hee-sung, the murderer’s real accomplice!!!!!!! Hyun-suya, give up that name now!
https://ahjummamshies.wordpress.com/2020/09/06/k-drama-reaction-flower-of-evil-episode-11/
-
6
-
-
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay | Series Review
The series’ narrative is a parallelism to the final book that Moon-young was trying to write. Like a parent reading his child a bedtime story before going to sleep, the series undergoes a full fairytale telling process. The majority of the series’ scenes happened in the OK Psychiatric Hospital and the Cursed Castle. Both very iconic locations that play a big role in the character development of Moon-young, Sang-tae, and Gang-tae. Moon-young’s book stories are heavy and dark, which take a lot of openmindedness to fully grasp the life lessons that she wants to impart to children. It’s like she uses her books to communicate her own life but with very grotesque storytelling.
Regardless of your age, there’s a certain mindset and attitude needed to read a fairytale, and this is where the importance of the hospital comes in. You don’t enter a psychiatric hospital expecting everyone to be normal. There’s a level of humility and understanding expected out of you when you’re in that place. In the series, it’s established through Sang-tae’s character that there’s a strong similarity between a child and a person with special needs. Never lie to them, insult them, disregard their feelings, and most important of all, forget to listen for what they have to say. Sang-tae’s innocence is so pure, his mental health is like that of a child’s. But as the series would remind us, even a child can teach an adult an important lesson in life.
Interestingly enough, you’d think that the patients are the only ones trying to mend at the hospital. But the substantial amount of time Moon-young, Gang-tae and Sang-tae all have to spend there is quite telling that they too were trying to heal from their respective “special cases.” What’s more significant is that both Director Oh Ji-wang (Kim Chang-wan) and Ju-ri’s mom Kang Soon-duk (Kim Mi-kyung) played crucial roles in the healing of the primary characters. Director Oh always had the right thing to say or trick to play, while Ju-ri’s mom never served food that the three of them didn’t like. And it’s not a coincidence that both of them work at the hospital.Full SERIES REVIEW link: https://ahjummamshies.wordpress.com/2020/08/17/its-okay-to-not-be-okay-series-review/-
3
-
-
First Impression: It's Okay Not To Be Okay
It's Okay Not Be Okay premiered this week! It's Kim Soo-hyun's comeback drama after his military discharge. And after teasing us with some memorable cameos in recent dramas, it's time for him to reclaim the limelight as one of the top Hallyu stars of his generation. The hype is real with this one, especially after the news broke that he will share this spotlight with the ever gorgeous Seo Ye-ji! Who wouldn't get stoked, right?
What a very interesting first two episodes! I knew from the teasers that it promises a dark romance between the main leads, but I wasn't expecting it to be THIS dark. It was borderline disturbing! The first episode was meant to introduce very vividly how famous children's book author Ko Moon-yeong (Seo Ye-ji) has anti-social personality. Her books feature dark fairy tales with nightmare-eating witches as heroines, and betrayal as the main theme. She was presented as the monster who draws people away. The opening was laid out as fantasy, so the audience might expect it to be one, but the watching experience was essentially the same with Moon-yeong's children's books. The drama was parallel to her own book which was supposed to be light but a bit grotesque for the taste apparently.
With hints of Tim Burton-style graphics and a slight touch of romantic comedy in the first two episodes, this new series is made to make us feel intrigued and disturbed. It presents a thin line between the rational mind and hysteria. It's meant to challenge the viewers about morals and mental stability. I don't know if it's a good thing or something to be worried about, but I think if you're bothered by just watching the little Moon-yeong tear that live butterfly apart, you're still normal. Albeit too dark for some people, this drama is still refreshing to watch because it's different.
My favorite part of the drama would have to be our heroine (or anti-hero as it seems), Ko Moon-yeong. She is a no non-sense femme fatale who doesn't hesitate to do whatever she wants to do without worrying about other people's judgment. I know this could be a double-edged sword as this attitude could also be her downfall, her anti-social behavior opens the eyes of the audience to the mindset of people who screams of darkness and chaos. Her aura is very appealing and her presence is so extra. Moon-yeong's childhood background was super depressing, it totally makes sense she ended up that way.
The hero, Moon Kang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) is a mysterious one. One of the most striking lines he made in the first two episodes was his description of Moon-young's anti-social personality. He doesn't recognize it as a disorder, and tells her that's she was just born with it. We also got to know his backstory early on in the series. He and his brother Moon Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se) were orphaned after their mother was apparently killed by a still unidentified person. Sang-tae, the only witness to the killing, has autism. He was certain that their mom was killed by the "butterflies" which also prompted the brothers not to stay in the same place for a long time. They keep relocating every now and then. What's more interesting is that Sang-tae's favorite author is Ko Moon-yeong. What's with her books that draw him? Does he sense that the writer is an outcast, too? Moon-yeong and Sang-tae are yet to meet each other properly, so their inevitable interaction is something worth anticipating.
Full article here: https://ahjummamshies.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/first-impression-its-okay-not-to-be-okay/
-
11
-
1
-
1
-
-
Five Life Lessons From Hi Bye, Mama
Here are the five life lessons I've learned from Yu-ri's second chance at life.
- My life is not entirely mine.
Though there are numerous heart-tugging moments in this drama, the scene where the suffering of the ghosts' families was shown struck me the hardest. I was going through some serious health issues at the start of the year and thought to myself that it won't be a big deal if I die. But after watching the series, I realized that my life is not just mine. It belongs to my family, to my friends, to everyone who cares about me. And it would be so selfish to end the battle without picking up the sword. It would be unfair to them if I give up without trying. My suffering may have end after I die, but the pain for my loved ones live on.
- Find meaning in the little moments that make up life.
Whether it was keeping her promise to pick up Gang- hwa when it rains or failing to do Yu-ri's request to put the vacuum cleaner up, the couple went on their lives thinking that there will always be tomorrow for them. But when the next day never arrived, the two realized that those trivial things that we often overlook give meaning to life.
Perhaps, the moments that are not grand nor special and we often take as insignificant are the ones we should treasure.
- Family is not defined by blood.
Yu-ri's best triend, Go Hyun-jung (Shin Dong-mi) proved countless times in this drama that a family cannot be defined solely by blood relations. Hyun-jung is my favorite character not just because of her humorous antics but because of her undying loyalty to Yu-ri. Hyun-jung defied her mother-in-law's order to skip Yu-ri's funeral since she just gave birth and continued to post heartfelt messages on Yu-ri's SNS page even after the latter passed away.
Read full list here: https://ahjummamshies.wordpress.com/2020/04/22/five-life-lessons-from-hi-bye-mama/
-
4
-
First Impressions: The King: Eternal Monarch | Episodes 1-2
I already had high hopes with this drama based on the story elements they said they will be using. You can’t blame me since they have a modern monarch, parallel universe (my excitement went from 5 to 500 after knowing this premise), and of course, romance. These are my personal beloved tropes and Kim Eun-sook decided to use it all at once. Saying this series definitely delivered would be an understatement. From the cinematography to its intense storytelling, the pilot episode unabashedly pulled me into its world. The credit really goes to the set-up written by Kim Eun-sook. She truly knows how to create a believable fictional world with a detailed background and interesting characters. Of course, the production team led by PD Baek Sang-hoon has also successfully brought into life Eun-sook’s vision for this drama.
The character introductions felt a bit short as the premiere episode was focused on showing the difference between the two worlds: The Kingdom of Corea and the Republic of Korea. But I think it was enough to build the air of mystery around them.
(Side note: I love that Lee Min-ho’s character is a mathematician and he easily concluded that he was in a parallel universe since he’s familiar with the theory.)
Full article: https://ahjummamshies.wordpress.com/2020/04/19/first-impression-the-king-eternal-monarch-episodes-1-2/
-
8
-
1
-
-
PARK MIN-YOUNG, KIM JAE-WOOK CONFIRMED IN NEW ROM COM
Park Min-young (What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim) and Kim Jae-wook (The Guest) have both been confirmed to star in the upcoming drama “Her Private Life” (literal title).
The drama will be based on the webtoon “Noona Fan Dot Com” by Kim Sung-yeon, which is a romantic comedy about idol fangirl Sung Duk-mi and the two guys who are in love with her.
Sung Duk-mi (to be portrayed by Park Min-young) currently works as a senior curator of an art museum and has been a dedicated fan of idols for 20 years, beginning with g.o.d’s Yoon Kye-sang. She runs a fan site for an idol group and has a huge crush on band member Min-joon. She hires Min-joon’s hyung to work at her restaurant to find out more about her crush, but eventually falls for the older brother instead. Her private life (aka secret fangirling) is about to be revealed after meeting their new director, A-list painter Ryan Gold (to be played by Kim Jae-wook).
“Her Private Life” will on tvN after the conclusion of “Touch Your Heart.”
https://ahjummamshies.com/2019/01/29/park-min-young-kim-jae-wook-confirmed-in-new-rom-com/
-
2
-
2
-
-
PARK MIN-YOUNG, KIM JAE-WOOK CONFIRMED IN NEW ROM COM
Park Min-young (What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim) and Kim Jae-wook (The Guest) have both been confirmed to star in the upcoming drama “Her Private Life” (literal title).
The drama will be based on the webtoon “Noona Fan Dot Com” by Kim Sung-yeon, which is a romantic comedy about idol fangirl Sung Duk-mi and the two guys who are in love with her.
Sung Duk-mi (to be portrayed by Park Min-young) currently works as a senior curator of an art museum and has been a dedicated fan of idols for 20 years, beginning with g.o.d’s Yoon Kye-sang. She runs a fan site for an idol group and has a huge crush on band member Min-joon. She hires Min-joon’s hyung to work at her restaurant to find out more about her crush, but eventually falls for the older brother instead. Her private life (aka secret fangirling) is about to be revealed after meeting their new director, A-list painter Ryan Gold (to be played by Kim Jae-wook).
“Her Private Life” will on tvN after the conclusion of “Touch Your Heart.”
https://ahjummamshies.com/2019/01/29/park-min-young-kim-jae-wook-confirmed-in-new-rom-com/
-
1
-
1
-
-
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: LIFE, THIRTY BUT SEVENTEEN, RISKY ROMANCE, WITCH’S LOVE, YOUR HONOR, TIME
What’s It About? This drama is about the power struggle within a hospital following a suspicious death of a senior medical staff.
The Good The greatest strength of the pilot episode which was actually the one that kept the plot moving is the mystery around the suspicious death of senior hospital staff Lee Bo-hoon (Chun Ho-jin) who’s known for his good ethics. The incident triggered a lot of tension between the staff who have warring values and views but it’s a matter of time before we can tell who the good guys are and who are not. The two lead actors, Lee Dong-wook and Jo Seung-woo both have a very strong screen presence playing an ER department doctor and the hospital’s new chief, respectively and these two completely look like they are neither good nor bad characters and I’m definitely excited to see a showdown between them. There is a myriad of supporting characters but it’s Ye Seon-woo (Lee Kyu-hyung) I found really intriguing. I wonder what the writer wants to tell ask by having him pops in and out Ye Jin-woo (Lee Dong-wook)’s head in a lot of scenes. It’s actually a little creepy.
The Bad The pilot episode introduced a lot of characters in one swoop that it’s quite difficult to remember everyone. Add to the problem a complex narrative, then you’ll see yourself rewatching some of the scenes to understand what they’ve actually said and what was really going on.
-
2
-
1
-
-
-
“I found it. I think staying as your secretary is what I want to do. Perhaps… I’ve been doing the job I am good at and is perfect for me. Because I’ve gotten too used to it, I didn’t realize it. I like assisting someone… and solving problems that break out. I like the sense of achievement I feel after all the work is done. And… I don’t want the person I love to be in trouble.” ~ Secretary Kim
https://ahjummamshies.com/2018/07/24/k-drama-reaction-why-secretary-kim-episode-14/
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
K-LOOKBOOK: HOW TO STYLE YOUR BANGS LIKE A KOREAN DRAMA FEMALE LEAD
Blunt – the most striking among the style. It is best to those with thick mane. It instantly gives your face that strong pronounced look.
-
3
-
-
K-LOOKBOOK: HOW TO STYLE YOUR BANGS LIKE A KOREAN DRAMA FEMALE LEAD
Style your bangs like a true-blue K-drama lead
Curled – the most common and easily maintained style which can perfectly frame your beautiful face. Koreans, celebrities or not, use hair rollers to maintain volume on their bangs.
-
K-LOOKBOOK: HOW TO STYLE YOUR BANGS LIKE A KOREAN DRAMA FEMALE LEAD
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
[Drama 2020] The Flower of Evil, 악의 꽃
in k-dramas & movies
Posted
“The cruel truth that shakes the perfect trust.”
This was the quote written in the main poster of drama. At first, I thought it’s about Do Hyun-su pretending to be Baek Hee-sung to hide his past identity. But when Cha Ji-won learned the truth, no trust was broken between them. The trust even made them stronger. So as I look back into this same quote, I wonder what does really mean? What is the cruel truth was will shake the perfect trust? Then again, we fast forward to the final episode, and then I realized something about Hyun-su and Ji-won’s relationship. The “perfect trust” meant by this quote was Hyun-su himself – his perfectly curated cover-up life… an identity built on his own wall. Hyun-su literally learned to trust slowly in the process. Day by day, he fights himself, doubts himself, and finally, trusts himself. But the cruel truth remains still. He is Do Min-seok’s son. He fakes identity and deceives his wife and child. He borrows the life of another person and he doesn’t deserve to be forgiven. It’s the undeniable truth that will forever shake his already fragile self-worth.
I genuinely didn’t mind the amnesia plot even though it’s overused in dramas already. I thought they made a tasteful take on Hyun-su’s temporary amnesia. It’s a good way of letting Hyun-su look back on his old life without the Hee-sung parts. He was the scarred boy from the countryside who’s father was a murderer. He was the heroic brother who took all the blame for his sister’s crime. He is the neighborhood kid who was bullied by rumormongers. It may be painful for Hyun-su to revisit those parts of his life as if it just happened yesterday, but it’s needed for him to rediscover who he really is – without the help of Ji-won. The show didn’t go full-on amnesia mode, though. Hyun-su still remembers snippets of his life as Hee-sung – his hand can’t function well without his wedding ring (which is super sweet I must say); he keeps on buying egg tarts whenever he passes by a shop (I cried here ok); and lastly, he keeps on thinking about Ji-won. All these things made me forgive the amnesia route.
On another point.... The drama was about Hyun-su’s journey to self-discovery. He slowly discovered his capability of having sincere emotions. He learned that he also knows how to genuinely care for another person. But then the amnesia happens and he’s back to square one. He started doubting himself again. It would have been better if he closed the Hee-sung chapter of his life with awareness and not clouded by amnesia. One more thing, Hyun-su should feel the rewards of all his sacrifices wholeheartedly. He tried to protect Ji-won and Eun-ha at all costs because he finally realized his love for them was real. He was once a no-namer with a fake family name. He didn’t have a personality but he had Ji-won and Eun-ha. But even that character development was taken away from him by the amnesia.
How about you? What’s your take on the amnesia route?
Overall, this drama is a masterpiece. It’s one of the best drama thrillers I have watched. It kept me interested from start to finish, which is rare because sometimes we all figured out what will happen next by the time we reach a drama’s second half. The main actors – Lee Joon-gi, Moon Chae-won, Kim Ji-hoon, Jang Hee-jin – were all amazing and deserving of all the praise. Kim Ji-hoon pretty much slept through the first half of the series but man, the moment he woke up until his last appearance, he was memorable!
my full reaction here: https://wp.me/p8yFfI-dtX