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EVENT: [Drama 2010] Secret Garden re-watch - 시크릿 가든


partyon

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@lilyphenix The watch party starts now. You can watch the first 2 episodes at any point this week, but you can only post your thoughts about them here on this thread starting on Monday. :glasses:

 

If people would like to watch more than 2 episodes per week (e.g. 3-4 episodes per week, please let me know). If there is enough interest, we can change the watch schedule.

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https://www.cosmo.ph/kloka/korean-drama/secret-garden-review-korean-drama-a4985-20230122-lfrm

KOREAN DRAMA

I Watched 'Secret Garden' For The First Time And Now I Know Why It Was So Popular by LEI REYES | Jan 22, 2023
An Honest Review Of The Korean Drama 'Secret Garden'
 
 
PHOTO: SECRET GARDEN/SBS

1. Hyun Bin as Kim Joo Won

The character: Young, handsome, and rich CEO of LOEL department store, Kim Joo Won is your typical handsome but arrogant main character. He seems like he has it all but people don't know that a trauma when he was younger which he doesn't have memories of made him claustrophobic so he cannot ride elevators. Upon meeting Gil Ra Im, he couldn't get her off his mind, so he decides to pursue her and see why he is so curious about her.

Spoiler

Secret Garden

 
SECRET GARDEN/SBS

The actor: K-drama lovers probably know him because of his role in Crash Landing On You but Hyun Bin has several notable roles in other successful movies and dramas like My Name Is Kim Sam Soon, Memories Of The Alhambra, A Millionaire's First Love, and The Negotiation. Hyun Bin has also won several awards over the course of his acting career including the Grand Prize or Daesang for TV at the 47th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2011 for his performance in Secret Garden.

2. Ha Ji Won as Gil Ra Im

The character: Hardworking and strong on the outside, soft and lonely on the inside, Gil Ra Im is a stunt woman who takes pride in her work. She is a loyal member of Director Im Jong Soo's action school. Upon meeting the persistent Kim Joo Won, she tries to push him away at first but ends up growing closer to him as they magically switch bodies. She is also a big fan of Oska, who, coincidentally, is Joo Won's cousin.

Spoiler

Secret Garden

 

 
 
SECRET GARDEN/SBS

The actress: Ha Ji Won is a critically acclaimed actress with several films and dramas under her belt. She is known for her ability to do different genres. A few of her notable works include 100 Days With Mr. Arrogant, Memories Of Bali, Hwang Jini, “The King 2 Hearts, and Empress Ki. She also won several awards all throughout her career including Best Actress from Grimae Awards for her performance in Secret Garden.

3. Yoon Sang Hyun as Oska / Choi Woo Young

The character: Famous singer Oska starts to lose popularity due to his involvement in different scandals related to women and his unprofessional attitude at work. He meets his first love, Yoon Seul, again and realizes he is not yet over her. He also becomes interested in signing a young musician named Tae Sun to his label and tries to persuade him. Slowly, he learns his lesson and changes his ways.

Spoiler

Secret Garden

 

 
 
SECRET GARDEN/SBS

The actor: Yoon Sang Hyun debuted at the age of 32 but that didn't stop him from landing notable roles in dramas like My Fair Lady, I Can Hear Your Voice, Shopaholic Louis, and 18 Again. Besides acting, he is also a singer. He has released several OSTs and even has a Japanese album called Precious Days.

4. Kim Sa Rang as Yoon Seul

The character: Yoon Seul is Oska's first love who broke up with him because of something Oska said behind her back. She is now a music video director in charge of Oska's new music video. She tries to hurt Oska in the process by trying to date his cousin, Joo Won, but her true feelings for Oska still remain.

Spoiler

Secret Garden

 

 
 
SECRET GARDEN/SBS

The actress: Kim Sa Rang was crowned Miss Korea in 2000 and became South Korea's representative to Miss Universe in 2001. She starred in several TV series and movies including Radio Dayz, Mina, Thousand Years Of Love, A Love To Kill, and The King And I. She also starred in Lee Seung Gi's "Because You're My Woman" music video.

Reasons why I love Secret Garden:

1. Gil Ra Im in action as a stunt woman is really cool.

I think this is the first time I watched a drama where the female main character worked as a stunt woman. And I think this made Gil Ra Im's character quite interesting. The scenes where she was filming her action scenes made me hold my breath and root for her. Kudos to Ha Ji Won for pulling off her role so well.

2. The magical body-switching is so random but hilarious!

At first, I felt like this drama could have worked out even without the fantasy element. But as I watch the episodes where Ra Im and Joo Won were in each other's bodies, I was laughing so hard. I have only ever watched Hyun Bin in Crash Landing On You, so I expected him to be like he was there—a little stoic and serious. However, I saw a different side to Hyun Bin in this drama! His facial expressions as Ra Im were so on point and funny!

Secret Garden
 
 
SECRET GARDEN/SBS

3. Oska and Seul's love story had me hooked.

I was looking forward to how these first loves would resolve their misunderstanding and eventually get back together. I really liked the way they pushed and pulled throughout the series—pretending they are indifferent to each other but secretly hurting and pining for each other when they're alone. I love how they grew mature as individuals and then realized how important the other person is to themselves.

4. Watching young Lee Jong Suk in a supporting role was a pleasant surprise.

Lee Jong Suk is my ultimate Korean actor bias, so it was such a pleasant surprise when he appeared in the drama. I totally forgot he was in Secret Garden! His character is quite cool, and I can't help but smile at his sarcastic remarks.

Spoiler

Secret Garden

 

 
 
SECRET GARDEN/SBS

5. My second lead syndrome is real.

And it's all because of Lee Phillip as Im Jong Soo! His affection for Ra Im was so obvious in his eyes and I'm quite frustrated at Ra Im for never noticing. I also think it was a bit unfair that he never got a fair chance with her because Joo Won told him not to confess to her when he was in Ra Im's body. I wish he at least was able to convey to her how he truly feels even if it means getting rejected. He deserved that at the very least. Why was Gil Ra Im so oblivious?

Spoiler

Secret Garden

 

 
 
SECRET GARDEN/SBS

I really appreciate the way he treats Ra Im and I'm glad he wasn't short-changed at all at the end when Son Ye Jin made a cameo and asks him what he thinks of her. OMG. Now I'm half-wanting to watch how this would play out if it wasn't the end of the drama already! Definitely one of the best cameos ever!

6. The OSTs are songs I will add to my playlist.

OSTs by Baek Ji Young, Sung Si Kyung, 4Men's Shin Yong Jae, and Kim Bum Soo? This is a star-studded OST line-up in itself! I love the songs and how they play perfectly in the background when an important scene plays out. And the way they also used some of the songs for Oska's album and concert made the OSTs more intertwined with the drama itself.

 
 
[MV] BAEK JI YOUNG _The woman (SECRET GARDEN DRAMA OST Part.1)

Overall, Secret Garden gave me a good laugh. There were high points and low points in this drama. I wasn't mesmerized and hooked by the storyline compared to other series and there were moments where I regretted a little that I didn't watch this when it was released. I feel like I would have enjoyed it more then. I guess there are just jokes and elements that are fit for a certain season. There used to be a time when crazy things happening in K-dramas without explanations were kind of accepted but now I just want more details and rationale on why something happens, and this drama fell just a tad short on that.

Spoiler

Secret Garden

 

 
 
SECRET GARDEN/SBS

But if you want a light romance with a fantasy twist, this drama is for you. The banter and chemistry among the characters are something to watch out for. And if you've watched this before, I'm sure you will enjoy rewatching it. There's just a hint of the nostalgic element that you will love to reminisce in.

 

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@agenth @gm4queen @CupcakeEonni @the_sweetroad @confusedheart @YongZura⁷ @Ameera Ali  @maribella @lilyphenix @africandramalover @ferily @Learry @Jeannie @LeftCoastOppa

 

Only 2 more nights before you can comment on the first 2 episodes! :hwaiting:

I am about to start on the first episode! :glasses:

 

Many people on this thread (me included) feel that Oska was the real MVP of this drama. If you're watching it for the first time, let's see if you feel the same.

 

maxresdefault.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=78a56c9

 

FUN FACT #1 about Secret Garden:

 

Did you know that Hyun Bin was not the first choice as male lead Kim Joo Won? The role was originally offered to Jang Hyuk.

 

00fbb70d5f3cd988af63411798f157a4.jpg


Jang Hyuk turned the role down, though, citing that he felt that he wasn't suitable for the role and that he was more interested in playing the ML in Midas.


The word on the street was that this was not entirely true though... Apparently originally Jay Park was going to play a supporting role in the drama but that fell through. Jang Hyuk who was in the same agency as Jay Park at that time, was "forced" to turn the ML role down.

 

In the end, Jang Hyuk's role went to Hyun Bin (who at that time was not an A list actor yet) and Jay Park's role went to none other than Lee Jong Suk.

 

Now you know :coolshades:

 

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15 minutes ago, partyon said:

Now you know

 

Oh my go, unnie! Yes, now I know! All thanks to you. :lol: But I guess the destiny has picked up the most perfect actors and actresses for each role in this drama! I loved episode 1 and 2. Can't wait to join the discussion on Monday. :getmygrooveon:

 

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Finally it's Monday and I can complain about the camera shooting of Secret Garden. Now I remember why I dropped this drama a few years ago back in Episode 1. the camera is truly horrible, it looks like some amateur shoot or youtube of 2001. 

 

Only the thought of coming here and discussing with you guys made it possible for me to watch Episode 2 as well :D 

 

  • Oska: for me not charming cos he shouts too much and behaves for me in a sleezy manner
  • Ra Im: Tough as ice except when confronted with Oska where she turns into dazed and dull fangirl. 
  • Joo Won: Him and Ra Im behaving a bit childishly, is this a classic from hate to love drama?
  • Director: no second lead syndrome for me. He is also acting a bit too much like tough guy. I found it funny how he behaved aggressive towards Joo Won at the hospital and dragged her off the bed without asking the doctors if her condition is ok to be checked out. Then he gives up bringing her home, with her saying no. I know this should delineate Director being respectful towards females as opposed to Joo Won, but for me both behaviour is unacceptable. 

 

 

 

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Hey guys!

 

I've heard a lot about this drama but this is the very first time I am watching it! I really enjoyed episode 1 & 2. Hyun BIn looks like a baby boy in track suits... :joy: And I am pretty curious about the reason why he's afraid of taking lifts. I hope it will be revealed in future episodes. Guess he feel in love with Ra Im at the first sight? But now that the drama has 20 episodes, then Ra Im might take more than half of the show to feel something for him?? :D Nevertheless, I love the vibe. So I guess I'll continue the drama ahead!

 

Can't wait to read the thoughts of other chingus!

 

Not to forget That Man. Love the OST a lot! :heart:

 

 

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14 minutes ago, gm4queen said:

Guess he feel in love with Ra Im at the first sight?

 

Not sure, 

 

I just think he is starting to become obsessed with her... wait that#s kinda harsh. That his brain turns towards her more often than not, because it's the first time he encountered someone who called him on his issues / disregarded him, without giving him the opportunity to explain himself (or his brand clothes). 

 

'I didn't know that Hyun Bin a) sang b) the OST. Then again I never paid special attention to him before. 

 

Apropos OST, episode 1 also had awful music (like in a game show sound effects). episode 2 is better music wise, though. 

 

 

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I saw this drama when it first came out, but genuinely could't remember what the story was about. 

Spoiler

I remember there was an element of magic, and thought vaguely it was about an alien falling in love with an earthling (FL)... so the love story was not what made the biggest impression on me when watching it --am also not the biggest romantic on the planet, which is why in prefer action drama... :lol:

But I remembered what I did love about this drama, and that is still the same upon watching it a second time:
- I'm fascinated by the house, and the contradiction between the plain, countryside design, and the fancy interior design
- the ML glittery tracksuits 

The actors are obviously good and are worldwide stars for a reason. It is interesting to see how their two worlds clash, given that, on the surface, they do not seem compatible; so a love story looks like it wouldn't work, but they are people who sees the heart of the other first, and not just the circumstances, though Ha Jiwon misjudged Hyun Bin from the start... :)

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37 minutes ago, Ameera Ali said:

* did I need to put my gif in spoiler 

 

Nah, it's okay :D It's not against the forum rules.

 

@gm4queen Glad to see you enjoying your first Binnie drama! :kiss_wink: I am not sure if Joo Won already fell in love with Ra Im or not. I think he's more fascinated by her. He's not used to someone saying no to him. Hahah :D

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14 minutes ago, lilyphenix said:

remember there was an element of magic, and thought vaguely it was about an alien falling in love with an earthling (FL)...

 

Wrong drama chingu. You're thinking about this one, I think?

tumblr_n4tcpiP9sV1sk2kqwo7_250.gif

 

Though I have to say that the alien was extremely handsome compared to most alien dramas and movies I've watched. Most aliens look like this:

et GIF

 

@agenth Your list of "things that annoy me in this drama" is still very short. I guess that's a good sign?

:loolz:

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4 minutes ago, lilyphenix said:

- I'm fascinated by the house, and the contradiction between the plain, countryside design, and the fancy interior design

 

Funny thing, his house reminded me of the one for The Glory due to the high ceilings and high windows. I agree that the house looks nice though, but I could do without the visual sound effects :D

 

 

but it seems to not be the same one ?

 

 

 

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6 minutes ago, Ameera Ali said:

I can’t with the fighting scene

 

At least she looks pretty realistic fighting. :D Compared to some other characters... :emmm:4121c7fee19ae61c6ff85c5f0f2dc28d.gif

Is she even putting in any effort ? Just sayin'

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Just now, partyon said:

At least she looks pretty realistic fighting. :D Compared to some other characters... :emmm:

 

 

actually during this exact fighting scene @Ameera Ali posted I almost dropped drama again because the camera was crazily shaking.

 

The Office I Give Up GIF

 

6 minutes ago, partyon said:

@agenth Your list of "things that annoy me in this drama" is still very short. I guess that's a good sign?

 

 

i probably forgot a few other things, but main problem: CAMERA music CAMERA omg characters

- i'm not a medical professional but passing out due to an arm cut? ... oh well, maybe she got concussed when falling down? 

 

 

 

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4 minutes ago, agenth said:

i probably forgot a few other things, but main problem: CAMERA music CAMERA omg characters

 

Yet, Empress Ki had absolutely abysmal music and you didn't say anything?

Dr Evil Whatever GIF

 

When you have a sageuk fight scene with some 70s glam rock solo in the background, that's when you know you have bad music, chingu. We're not even close to that yet in this drama. :joy:

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