Open Thread #90
July 3rd, 2009 // by javabeans
Sigh! I’m exhausted. My new living space is covered in boxes and books and packing materials, and I am still internet-less. On one hand, I have lived a week now without internet access, and have found that there IS life without it. On the other hand, it’s not a very pleasant (or convenient) life. Internet fairies, won’t you come and help a poor addict out?
SONG OF THE DAY
Kate Earl – “Anything” [ Download ]
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
RELATED POSTS
No tags for this post.
Apparently Jung Il Woo will be cast in the drama lady castle with Yoon Eun Hye…
Hope it’s true coz the cast is looking mighty fine so far with Yoon Sang Hyun!!
Great job Javabeans! Long time follower first time commenter! Oh and loving Triple too.
I’m starting to fast forward through Cinderella Man because as much as I like Kwon Sang Woo I’m not able to get into this series.
The reason is that I really dislike the lead actress. Something about her just rubs me the wrong way. I’m not sure if it’s her acting or just the way the character was written, but I have absolutely no sympathy for her.
For example in one of the episodes there’s a mistake that’s totally her own fault but she ends up putting all the blame on Kwon Sang Woo. At that point I just about gave up. She was acting like a spoiled brat.
I seriously have no idea what Kwon Sang Woo’s character sees in her. It makes no sense at all. No wonder the ratings for this was so low.
The funny thing is, I really like the 2nd lead (Han Eun Jung). She’s actually nice and friendly. She’s also kind and warm and very strong. Sure she might be kinda bitchy to the lead actress but I can totally understand why!
How are you still posting without Internet?
Just curious…
Anyways. Finished City Hall last night… Completely loved the ending. A great end to a great drama. Looking forward to Triple & Partner now.
I hope your Internet will be hooked up soon, so you can bless us with your entries, javabeans
Really looking forward to having you back.
But don’t overwork yourself, take a break when you feel exhausted.
——————–
I just finished City Hall as well. Now I have the pleasure to backread about 30 pages at Soompi because I hated all the spoilers there, hehe.
Let’s just say, my love for City Hall has grown over the last two, three weeks and it still is, the more I take it apart.
I’m not going to say much here because I don’t want to spoil all the fun for everyone.
I’m glad to be recapping it with Samsooki = more excuses to watch it over and over again
Guess I’ll start Story of a Man now that it’s completely watched. Not sure if I’ve got the time to watch A Man Who Can’t Get Married, Triple or Partner. Want to take a peek, though.
@1 JL: LOL! I was just about to write that here as well XD But you beat me to it, well I thought there was a lot of confusion as to who was going to be male lead and second male lead but from what I know it’s official now that Yoon Sang Hyun is playing the male lead (the butler) while Jung Il Woo has been casted as the second male lead (the rich guy… lawyer?). Personally I was hoping for the other way around, but oh well~ Can’t have everything can I? I’m glad that Jung Il Woo joined the cast though! btw, did you guys hear? KBS is aiming at changing the title “Lady Castle” to something gaudy like “Take care of my Lady” or “Oh my Princess” *eyes rolling* For me it’ll always be “Lady Castle”. Period.
Poor you, Javabeans! It is quite horrible to be without Internet… It can be a nice change to be Internet-less, but only for a short while (like a week), but for any longer period of time…. When I’m on a long vacation, e.g. China (those trips are usually about a month long) I just had to frequent some Internet Cafes there.
Anyway, I hope you get everything settled soon
Especiall your Internet connection ^^ (are you posting your stuff at libraries atm?) 
Hmm, the only kdramas I’m following right now is Friends and Shining Inheritance/Brilliant Legacy (haha, it’s finally weekend!!!)
Love your site Javabeans. Thank You for all your hard work and insights to my and everyone else k-drama addictions. ^.^ I love all your thoughts and your friends thoughts.
Here I am been waiting for Friday Open Thread to post a Thank You note to Samsooki.I was so excited the have read a comment about City Hall recap in another thread with Hyun Bin. Out of love for CH drama that I posted a question in that thread to ask where I can read up on it. And YES I got an answer. Thank You Samsooki for answering me and showing me soompi.com and the light to the order of posting. Just finished CH and looking forward to the recaps.
Thanks again Samsooki. Also your name catches my attention right away cuz I too just adore him but I won’t be going to the who’s MINE huh. LOL
Awwww, too bad about no internet, I think I’d be lost!!! I am in the middle of watching Job Well Done, I love Chae Rim! Looking forward to Lady Castle, I loved Yoon Eun Hye in Coffee Prince and I miss seeing her in a drama
Hope other people are getting nice weather this weekend, its all rainy and cloudy over here in Nova Scotia 
I’m currently spending the summer in Seoul and had a chance to catch The Man Who Couldn’t Get Married. Hilarious! Haven’t had a chance to catch Triple or Partner yet, and will probably wait as I don’t want to spoil the buzz I’m getting from TMW….The first episode was fabulous. Hope the rest of it follows suit. I did see the Japanese version, but have vague memories of it.
Jung Il Woo and Yoon Eun Hye? Ooohh, I’d like to see that!
******
For those who don’t know, Blood: The Last Vampire is showing here in the U.S. next week — July 10!
I saw Blood last week, a very poor movie.
And Jung II Woo should have been cast as the main lead for Lady Castle, Yoon Sang Hyun is a little too old for YEH. Hopefully it’ll be good tho, can’t wait.
And I’ve lived without internet, it forced me to be more social with friends, not bad but it makes you feel closed off from the world, which is a strange feeling.
No wonder you’re not posting a whole lot of articles lately. Hope you get access soon!
I’ll be visiting S. Korea again at the end of the year, and since my friend who’s coming with me and I are huge fans of Alone in Love, we’d really like to visit the Dunkin Donuts the main couple always go to. Would anybody happen to know which branch they shot their scenes? Or does anybody know where I can go to ask questions like this? There’s also this restaurant/bar place where the main characters like to hang out, which is a quirky little place. If the store can be located, it would be much appreciated
Also, have been going through a Christian Bale phase lately. He’s my first celebrity crush ever at age 10 when I saw Little Women, but it’s starting all over again when I rewatched my Equilibrium DVD again, and impacting me more, coz now there’s Internet, and giving me a full-fledged clip-watching information-searching craze!
can someone please explain to me the appeal of shining inheritance?
i keep watching it trying to figure out why its got such high ratings, but nothing really stands out and it feels like its missing something.
its not a bad drama, its just kind of average, (with lots of fluff), and its more something to watch when you want to be mindlessly entertained rather than anything of real substance. (of course, i felt the same about full house and most people seem to love that one, too).
can you guys please tell me?
oh, and saying its popular because of the actors hotness factor doesn’t count.
JB, I’m so sorry! Moving is stressful enough without having internet issues on top of everything else. I hope those fairies come through for you quickly! How you’ve managed to stay so on top of things this week I can’t even imagine. You must never sleep!
Oh, City Hallers, what are we going to do???
I can’t believe it’s over. I can’t believe it. I’M SO SAD.
I’m off work today. I’m going to stay in my pajamas and drink coffee all day because I just don’t feel like doing anything productive. And yes, I’ll probably watch Ep 20 two or three more times, just to wallow in my happy misery a little longer…
after everything i’ve been hearing…..maybe i should try watching City Hall. initially i wasn’t that interested in it, but everyone keeps saying how good it is!
Happy 4th of July!
and JB, I hope you get your internet back soon
@ linz (14)
You really should give it a try. I’m sure it’ll be worth it.
@ langdon813 (13)
I guess we will be all re-watching the last episodes over and over again, until the next Kim Sun Ah or Cha Seung Won drama pops up, hehe.
Easy answer, – shinnng inheritance,
It is aired on Sunday morning whereby people are still at home trying to kill time ,
so – watch tv !! Sat. had been a long day going out , so sun. morning is the best
time to laze in bed while watching it. I hope the answer make sense.
The drama sucks esp the main lead (actor) …..
wow people really seem to like city hall..think i’ll put it on my to watch list
@ hsinya
OMG! I remember crushing on Christian Bale when I saw Empire of the Sun! I was really young then, my mom wondered why I was loving watching a war movie instead of cartoons.
********
My current drama is The Man Who Can’t Get Married. Kim So Eun is really good in it. And so are the others. I also like the styling they do on Ji Jin Hee and Yoo Ah In — a little Gene Kelly-Thom Browne-inspired.
Why Shining Inheritance is popular? Its easy to watch, addictive, its pretty much your old school Korean drama. And Lee Seungi is doing an okay job, especially since he’s not exactly experienced.
Finished City Hall last night. I think so far this is my favorite kdrama this year. I’ll probably suffer from withdrawal this week. Off to Vermont for the July 4th weekend but hope to see some lively discussion regarding CH on this thread.
I’ve never commented befoew, just enjoyed reading DB’s blog and all the interesting comments. But I am literally bursting inside after finishing City Hall yesterday, and watching and re-watching the final episode, and planning to re-watch the entire series. ONE OF THE BEST K-DRAMA I am lucky enough to have seen. I never liked KSA before, but she is deserving and more of her reputation as an amazing actress and CSW is the perfect leading man, and their chemistry is electric in the happy, sad, and intense scenes. KSA makes all her leading men look good, but this is the first time she has been paired with a leading man that is her equal in physical compatibility and acting talent. And the story line is absolutely riveting, even the politics and election stuff, it all fits perfectly and the story keeps going and growing. I’m glad I started watching in episode 3, as the first 2 episodes were a little slow and is just setting up the world of Inju and our eclectic heroine and cool hero. But episode 3 onwards the drama takes off and never looks back, and seriously, please watch it. I am forcing my sister and sister-in-law to watch it so I can gush over it with everyone. I LOVE City Hall, and will now go dream about Mirae and Jo Gook and their future.
OHHH GOSH!! I just moved two weeks ago and I didn t have internet too…and I am feeling like I am lost on an Island, alone, totally cut from around the world..
When I am not working I didn t go back home and go to some free wireless public place to connect…now I am asking, why do I pay a rent to never been at home
All my stuff are still in boxes (because not at home) and i still sleep on the floor!
but still what i miss the most is internet..hihihihi
what did we do before internet was created?
@ All City Hallers and will-be-City Hallers
Confirmed: City Hall is the BEST ever drama among all the K-, J-, and T-dramas I’ve seen, toppling previous favorites Coffee Prince, My Girl, MNIKSS. In fact, CH is head and shoulder above them. The love story of Shin Mirae and Jo Guk will stay in my heart for a long, long time – up there with other classics like AAE. I am afraid the bar has now been set too high that other new dramas will be hard to measure up.
CH is a story in its own league. If you think you’ve seen it all and can write an encyclopedia of Kdrama plots and cliches, CH comes along to show what new grounds can be made and boy, how brilliantly it has done too!
Now that 20 episodes are over, you realise how lucky we viewers are to have such an amazing script that weaves seamlessly what would usually be the materials of three or four stories into this rich tapestry of love, passion, and hope. We viewers in turn join on board the emotional roller coaster of the main characters laughing and crying with them. This is the first time I come across a drama that is so well-constructed that the dialogues and scenes serve more than what is shown at the time. As new episodes are aired, you are in awe with the meaning of dialogues and scenes from previous episodes. This makes CH the most re-watchable drama because you do need to go back and backtrack. The repeat viewing is always more enjoyable than the first one.
There were the comments that the first few episodes are a bit off. This could be true but were probably done so intentionally to show some ‘before’ and ‘after’ effect. So many of us City Hallers are caught up by that and have to re-watch those earlier episodes to get the missing puzzles. It is not as serious as it sounds. For romance lovers, you will be in for a treat for the most intense love story , the sweetest storylines and the hottest kiss scene in Kdrama. I am still in the euphoria of watching the ending …. can’t write anymore. There will surely be more CH raves by other City Hallers in this thread.
It is a drama you will not regret watching – just go for it!
See the viikii viewer comments at:
Oh JB, him neh! And, to quote one of my fav k-drama characters, “JB jjiayo!”
Hurray for bberry open friday posts! I’m posting from a k restaurants in md, cannot go a day without internet access. LOL. Ice cold neng myun, savoring its spicy taste and my choo-uk’s from city hall.
Happy and safe 4th of july everyone!
Oh, Javabeans, I know too well what moving does to you (trust me, I’ve moved 29 times in my 31-year lifetime!) My heart goes out for you! I hope you get settled soon, ans that you get internet access as soon as possible – I know I’d have a hard time if I had no internet access for a longer period of time, too!
Oh, and @ hsinya and @Snikki, I join you in the Christian Bale early crush thing, but in that I watched The Newsies when I was a teen, and boy, was he cute in that!
I had Watched Empire of the sun before, but was a bit too young to remember how frickin’ good he was in that. And, of course, enything he does these days is really awsome!
Talking about Western Actor crushes, anyone out there who know who Richard Armitage (from North and South and Robin Hood) is and also has a (not so) little crush on him?
@23, epyc
You said it all and said it best, I can’t think of anything to add. Perfect description of a perfect drama. I just want to live in Inju City forever.
I think the only thing that might make me feel better right now is to get up and practice my moves to “Sorry, Sorry”!
@24, Samsooki
I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist posting somehow! I think you had the right idea; we all should have planned a weekend getaway to take our minds off how much we’ll miss CH! Have fun!
yay! Happy Friday and 4th of July weekend everyone
Well everyone in the States at least haha. 
Starting this thread a little late this morning as I don’t have work (hooray!) and have just woken up *stretch!*
@12 nanner – yes shining inheritance isn’t any kind of meaningful or deep drama, or even one with superb acting. it has the typical cliches of a kdrama but i think i’m enjoying it because it’s not played out with crazy intenseness and is definately a fun filler drama… and i gotta say it, the 2nd male lead BSB is pretty awesomely hot haha.
i’m on episode 16 of Black and White and omg it’s soooo damn good. the way the story is unfolding and how you never know who you can trust in it keeps me on my toes. Thoroughly enjoying it and it is totally my favorite drama of the year so far!!
JB – i once lived without internet for 5 months… it was horrible and wonderful at the same time haha.
ooh boy if jung ilwoo is in lady castle i better finish washing return of iljimae first
Happy friday! Oh JB, I don’t know how I’d survive without internet… Do you have a smart phone? On the other hand as somebody mentioned above, I’ll be a lot more social without my computers…
Anyway, thnks to the last weeks threads here about all the passinately rave reviews for City hall, I decided to give it a try. After fast forwarding the first three episodes, I got hooked. When I wasn’t working, I was glued to my computer ignoring everything else I had to do in this world, I watched the whole thing. OMG, It was so captivating! The chemistries between Shin Mirae and Jo Guk were amazing. Jo Guk was so sincere, honest, loving, respectful, funny, caring and truthful about the way he dealt with Shin Mire. Well, it was actually mutural, they both regarded each other with atmost honesty and love and everything else. Whoops, I’d better get back to my work now. Thank you Javabeans and everybody else for great inputs, Happy 4th of July!
I’m happy to join the City Hall fans out there. I watched the first five episodes, didn’t like it much, and stopped watching for awhile. I’m SOOOOOOOOOO glad I gave it a second chance and continued. It’s one of the finer dramas around here. The story is well-paced and the chemistry between the leads is amazing. It seems to have fun poking at Korean politics too. Love City Hall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@23 I totally agreed with you.All KSA’s drama always had great dialogues and she is good how to delivered it.Or the writer makes the character is basic of KSA,so the drama is more lovely to watched.@Samsooki I kinda suprise you just write a short comment for the ending City Hall,its not like you.Off the topic,there is book fair in my place and i feel like in 9 clouds(yes i can really feel it between kdrama and sale books)Really a great week.
@JB: Sorry you don’t have internet access! I know when I didn’t have it, it drove me stir crazy! Moving sucks too!
I’ve been watching Shining Inheritance. I’m really still on the fence about it. At first, I read all of these posts on a forum that said it was really good. I’ve been watching it, but it isn’t one of those dramas for me that makes me want to consider not sleeping just to watch it. I’m on episode 7, well, I at least have to watch the last part of episode 7.
I can see why people love it. Like I read somewhere, you really can’t do much harm with a Cinderella story? As for the male lead actor, his character kind of irks me because he’s not the lovable GJP from BBF jerk. He’s the kind of jerk who’s a complete a-hole with a nasty attitude. The more they reveal his past, I still can’t sympathize with him at all.
Also, that crows nest on his head! I know it sounds shallow, but really, his hair kind of distracts me. Also, from all of the spoilers I’ve read, it seems like the main characters take a long time before they get together. Thats kind of annoying, since the show is supposed to be 26 episodes.
I know this may sound like a rant, and it most likely is. But anyways, why does the girl always fall in love with the jerk? What is so interesting about it too? Some of the most popular dramas I’ve seen, the lead actors are jerks and thats just it & the girl is head over heels for him.
I guess girls like the sort of thing where they feel like by just being in their lives, they’ve made a man change or some crap like that. All of that aside, I might finish Shining Inheritance b/c I do want to see her find her autistic brother. My little brother’s autistic, so that plotline struck a cord in me.
Last drama I watched was Queen of Housewives, even though I wanted to see Ji Ae end up with Tae Joon, it was was still really good. That show seems like one older women would like, but I completely fell in love with it. I have to say though, the things Ji Ae did to Bong Soon were downright dirty.
Now that I’m reading all of these posts, I’ll probably take a look at City Hall, Triple, and maybe even Partner. Who know/ I may even look at a Taiwanese Drama since its been awhile since I’ve seen one or a Japanese Drama.
Every drama that I’ve watched b/c I saw the review on JB was good. Anyways, I’m done ranting. Peace!
hello all,
I am in the midst of fixing my study, which has years of papers and boxes unopened from the last move, and I have people coming over in 2 hours and I am ready to scream. So JBeans, i empathize with you. Moving sucks, and unpacking years after the fact sucks even more.
Come back soon so we can have more posts from you! JB FIGHTING!
—
I spent the week, night after night, on a marathon run through City Hall. I went to Viikii after ep 12 because I couldn’t stand waiting.
My warmest of thanks to Viikii subbers. You are amazing. Just so you know, after I finished City Hall last night, I immediately donated cash monies (paypal is very easy). I had to make my gratitude known in some way!
THOUGHTS:
First, I watch a LOT of romances from all over the world. If it says Romance on the cover, I will watch it. Netflix is running out of romances for me. I am a sucker for them. I like feeling my heart tighten and then lighten, and I like the rush of endorphins, I guess. I like human drama. I like how our emotions can make our bodies physically hurt.
So, if you are like me, for fellow romance lovers out there: CITY HALL is one of the BEST romances out there. I am not exaggerating. It made CRY. I cried after Ep 14 (after gasping and oohing and replaying certain scenes). I cried after Ep 15 (ditto). Damn, I pretty much cried after every episode.
I also laughed,
giggled,
went all “Dawwww, cute!”,
raged,
RAGED HARD,
raged super hard,
got all nervous and sick to my stomach,
got butterflies,
and basically experienced every emotion imaginable.
Rarely do we see a romantic relationship gradually mature right in front of our eyes in ways which are believable yet magical. Rarely do two characters (and actors) fit each other so beautifully. It is perfect chemistry, gorgeous writing, and best of all, the writer is kind to the viewers and gives us what we need.
I don’t usually buy boxsets because I am generally a one time viewer but I am eager to get City Hall so I can watch it on a wintery weekend, with a cup of cocoa, a song in my heart, and the widest of happiest grins on my face.
Politics can seem boring, but the machinations of “democracy” are presented very nicely in the drama so that even if you are not a political junkie, you will enjoy it.
So watch this drama. If you liked MNIKSS and Coffee Prince, City Hall is another one for you.
Can I also say how absolutely gorgeous KSA looked in every scene in the final episode of City Happy, especially the moon river dance in her garden of lights. How did the writers make such an amazing character such as Jo Gook, his love for Mirae and how he expressed it time and again through words and actions was unparallel. In episode 7 he remarked, “Hyun Bin? Hyun Bin, my ass.” Hee hee, as much as I love Binnie in all his dramas, no guy is a better match for KSA thanh CSW. And as much as this show is spectacular, the fact that the ending was from scene one to last frame just perfect makes this the best drama I have seen. Usually endings suck even for most great shows (such as a let down, or a sad ending that needed to be that way, or just no closure so we’re left feeling like you committed to something but can’t walk away satisfied). City Hall, I loved you even before I knew how you were going to end, and would have loved you regardless of your ending because you were just that awesome of a drama, but your ending validated every faith and commitment I made to you. Will own you and rewatch you forever!
Oops, forgot: A LOUD SHOUT OUT AND THANKS TO THE SOOMPIERS for the fantastic threads on City Hall and CSW and KSA.
*muah*
Hello everybody! Happy 4th of July! *yawn* just woke up….am late again!!!!
Yeah, am very excited that Jung ll woo has been casted!!! OMG!!! and, am hoping he will be the male lead….YSH is a little bit old for YEH…but then, we havent seen anything yet, YSH and YEH might look cute together…., i mean, Gong Yoo was older than YEH in CP…. i definitely am looking forward to Lady Castle!
Was done with Bloody Monday days ago…. Good jdrama although there were few small loopholes and one big huge one…but all in all, it was complicated, intricate at the same time, interesting.
Am currently watching Triple and City Hall…. ^-^ (LOL…am not yet a CH fanatic…am trying to move on to episode 3 without groaning….LOL!)…. btw, the male lead, Cha Seung Won…, ???, superficially, i dont like his hairstyle and his well-done eyebrows…^-^……..but omg, he is tall, and seems to pair better with KimSunAh then HyunBin….but then, am still at ep 3…i will have to watch more…
mmmm…….from what i can read here…., looks like CH does get interesting in the later part of the episodes huh…. good! good!good! ^-^ *giggling*
and oh, KSA has become cuter….awww….
JavaB…FIGHTING!!! ^-^
JB, how did you handle the cold sweats? Maybe we can start a support group!
What a week! In a state of eager anticipation for the final episodes of CH, I tried watching other dramas to pass the time.
1. Tried to watch Sky High but too much for me, brought back too many sad memories.
2.Moved on to What happened in Bali only to see a spoiler that hinted at a sad ending. Gave up on that as well.
3. Finally settled on The man who couldn’t get married! So funny and different hopefully will prove to be a good follow up drama after CH.
To all you fellow City Hallers wasn’t that a great ending to wonderful drama? Don’t want to say too much and spoil it for others . Right now I’m suffering CH after glow. Can’t wait for the DVD to come out as it’s one worth keeping.
On the topic of buying DVD’s, when I purchased from the site hinted at last week I used paypal. This bypasses the need to expose your CC# to all and sundry.
Glad the move went well JB! The good thing is you don’t have to empty the boxes as fast as you filled them. When I was without the internet for a week recently it made me realize just how much it had become a part of my life. Actually found time to read a book!
In my city Safe and Sane fireworks are legal but the 4th becomes Unsafe and Insane! So I’m armed and ready with the valium for me and my dog.
To my fellow US residents Happy 4th! Have a great weekend to everyone else.
Just got back from Laguna and San Diego with a bunch of my girlfriends, and ready to spend 4th of July with my cousins, discussing dramas =]
I’m currently religiously following Sons of Sol Pharmacy House
Love it! So adorable and not overly typical
Happy 4th weekend everyone!
The reason why SHINING INHERITANCE stands out for me is because of the acting of Lee Seung Gi and Han Hyo Joo. I know that many people think that LSG is not doing a good job. Just wait till you watch episodes 15 and onwards. He really improves and acts out the scenes in great subtleness. Han Hyo Joo is always a pleasure to watch. She becomes prettier as the show goes on.
The story is cliched, but it still has new elements that are good to watch. The main female lead is not helpless and a simple ‘damsel in distress’. She is really a strong person who would rather not tell anyone about her problems unless she really has to. I love the way she handles the situations with her evil stepmother and stepsister.
Also, many people think that the love story develops too slowly. But considering how other storylines are more important to develop before the love story can develop, I think that this drama does a good job in showing a love that blossoms at just the right time, not too early on or too late on. The story just seems more realistic this way. These last couple of episodes have focused mostly on the love between the two leads. Their chemistry is just great, IMO!
Give this show a chance! It is really good!!
@32
Your quote
“Now that I’m reading all of these posts, I’ll probably take a look at City Hall, Triple, and maybe even Partner. Who know/ I may even look at a Taiwanese Drama since its been awhile since I’ve seen one or a Japanese Drama.”
For Taiwanese dramas, I strongly recommend Black and White its a complete refresher from the usually Taiwanese dramas. This is the best drama coming out from Taiwan in a long time. Had me hooked from beginning to end and made my weekends fun. Hoping future Taiwanese dramas will be like this one.
City Hall – WATCH IT, ITS A GOOD DRAMA WITH A REAL ROMANCE. I ENJOYED EVERY ASPECT OF THIS SHOW. Looking forward to future projects with KSA and CSW together in the future and rewatching this drama sometime later.
Triple – It can watch, b/c the writer was from Coffee Prince thats the main reason why I’m watching it but it does not in my opinion has holding power. Coffee Prince was so much better.
Partner – its not bad , but they need to change the music score for the court scenes or supposedly intense scene its like they are trying to copy US law dramas with not much effect. It does not have holding power either.
If you lilke historical try Queen SeoDeok, I am enjoying it right now.
Shining Inheritance is nice as a matter of fact, personally I prefer it over kdrama’s BOF because I think its overall a far much better story and though the heroine did fall in love with the hero her character throughout the show has been consistent and she did not have to be saved all the time. I am watching it because I like seeing the growth of the relationship and I want to see the stepmother and daughter really get their comeuppance and I really really hope that a very suitable punishment is given to those queen liars. Kdramas has a nasty tendency not to properly punish the perpetrators.
I also recommend watching Family Honor, its enjoyable.
Japanese drama though I have watched 2 since the year does not hold my interest as much as kdrama does. God Hand Teru – this started out fine, but lost its vigor on episode 4 and Mr. Brain its Takuya Kimura need I say more with exception to the fact that the cast is in my opinion unnecessarily big. Both of those dramas are watchable.
Being without the internet for me is a major no no, its so much a part of me. I admit being an addict the most I had to do without was I think 3 days and its like I was lost . I was so so happy when it was back up again.
I liked Jung Il Woo from Return of Iijimae and Yoon Eun Hye from Coffee Prince so I definitely will give Lady Castle (like the name) a try.
i think i’m stupid, but how do i navigate around vIikii? it is like youtube? cuz i’m so dumb… i can’t seem to figure it out.. oh well.
happy 4th! i’ll hopefully be swimming in the shade, taking in some sun, and roasting like a xmas chestnut! LOL!
Omg CITY HALL!!!! BEST chemistry i’ve EVER seen in ANY drama. I didn’t like any other aspect of the drama other than the romance and humor to be honest, everytime they spoke about politics i fast forwarded, but OH MY GOD that was the BEST ENDING I’VE EVER SEEN. PEOPLE WATCH I GUARANTEE THE COUPLE WILL MAKE IT TO YOUR TOP 5 IF NOT NUMBER ONE FAVORITE COUPLE IN ANY SHOW.
Did i mention it was the best ending in a romance drama i’ve ever seen??They need to date in real life. No joke.
@javabeans. being without internet at my fingertips drives me crazy! but then after being deprived of it for a few days- i always end up feeling healthier and less yucky at the end because I end up doing other, more productive stuff. It’s like a forced cleansing!
@SamuraiGirl. The nice-girl-falls-in-love-with-jerk storyline. Mentally, I’m annoyed with it because it doesn’t make sense in real life and would probably encourage impressionable girls to stick with bad relationships. However, emotionally, I really dig it! I guess it’s because there is that tension when two people who don’t make sense together fall in love with each other despite their differences and it’s nice to see people change for the better (the jerk turns into a nice guy).
so glad to hear City Hall ended wonderfully. I haven’t watched the last two episodes yet- saving it for a better day (hives are mysteriously popping up on my right arm and am in a bad mood). I feel like there is an overwhelming amount of good k-dramas this year. Don’t know what i will watch for kdrama after City Hall. There are too many fun choices! I think i might pick up shining inheritance.
has anyone read the manga, Otomen? It’s about a guy who appears manly and is captain of the kendo team at his school….but he secretly loves girly stuff. Just found out today there is going to be a japanese drama adaptation of it in August!
Shining Inheritance is just fun to watch even though it’s cliche…it’s like comfort food in a way. Especially after watching an intense drama (Story of a Man) and in the midst of watching another intense drama (City Hall). I mean I guessed what was going to happen since the first couple of episodes but it’s entertaining enough to keep me interested (does anybody else thinks that the grandmother planned the main leads to get together all along?) .
I caught up to episode 14 of City Hall and hoping to finish this weekend (I really should’ve kept up with it when it first aired—it really is wonderful). It would be interesting if KSA and CSW ever work together again in the future.
Oh and I started watching Partner and while I have some issues with pacing and wish there was a little bit more in depth character development, I love Lee Dong-wook’s and Kim Hyun-joo’s acting. LDW is so much fun in this drama, and even though this is going to be a typical romance story, the chemistry b/t LDW and KHJ keeps it fairly entertaining.
And Happy 4th to all of you in the States!
I have to admit, Shining Inheritance is a total pleasure to watch! I was pleasantly surprised
It has all the necessary kdrama ingredients BUT with a coherent narrative (even all those “coincidences” were logical), timely character development and moments of humor.
I hope it continues strong like this til the very end. Even with a great drama, I’m always somewhat dissatisfied like the second half isn’t as good as the first half, the ending could’ve been better, the narrative sucks, why is the character like this, why is the character like that, and so on…
@ 45
i’m only interested in the drama because Seto Koji is in it. LOVED him in Atashinchi no Danshi~ i wish he was in the “best friend” role instead of the worshipper one. i don’t know about the lead since i never watched/finish any of his dramas.
@Nom_Kitteh,
Hehe. I also raged hard, then giggled, cheered, cried, gasped, laughed, went speechless for a while.
Props to Choi Il Hwa who played BB. When he had his beyond wrath speech against a certain lady, I was off the couch. I was off the couch and ready to fight. Such a powerful scene, from the actor who played Gong Yoo’s dad in CP.. So much to explain with that scene, because of the pecularities of Korean culture.
Great drama.
@47 new-s
If you would like to watch a good, consistent drama, there is one which just finished. It is called City Hall and one or at the most two participants in this thread just might have mentioned that they like it…
Happy weekend to all City Hallers & to all future City Hallers as well.
Big THANK YOU to whover it was that mentiond North & South in the open thread weeks ago. Some ppl mentioned it again @ soompi so I decided to check it out, and WOW!!!! Haven’t seen something this beautiful in years. I’ve pretty much given up the hope that someone could be comparable to Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy, but OMG!!! Richard Armitage is just absolutely and positively amazing.
Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy has held 1st place in my heart ever since I saw P&P on A&E years ago (hahaha…..god, I feel old). No one has been able to top it, until last Sunday, when I got my first glance of Richard Armitage as the brooding but oh-so-sizzling-hot Mr. Thornton of Marlborough Mills standing on a raised platform admist all the floating cotton fluffs, yelling out “Stephens” in that smoldering accent. His eyes are just wonderfully beautiful. He’s just amazing!!!! I even got the book and have finished it. Sad that Elizabeth Gaskell isn’t as well known as Jane Austen or Charles Dickens and the others.
My favorite scenes are the proposal, the “looking back” and the train station ending. Don’t know how many times I’ve replayed his proposal when he cries out “I don’t want to possess you! I want to marry you because I love you!” *swoons*………Got my vote for the most romantic line ever said in a movie EVER!!!!
The scene when Margaret leaves Milton, and he’s looking at the carriage as it rolls away in the snow, silently begging her to “look back. Look back at me” is just hauntingly sad. The look in his eyes, so full of hope but slowly fading and fading. Just WOW!!!!
And of course, the train station ending is just amaingly sweet. How she’s explaining investment stuff, and he gently slips his hand into hers. If he had told me “You’re coming home with me,” I’d follow him to the end of the Earth and back.
Richard Armitage, you’ve just gained another crazy stalker……hahaha! He’s just absolutely G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!!!! Just discovered N&S last Sunday and have rewatched it 6 or 7 times already. Also recomending this awesome series to everyone I know. Absolute must-see for Jane Austen fans! Can’t praise this drama enough! Really, really hope RA will star in another big production soon.
btw: Daniela Denby-Ashe and the rest of the cast were also great. The actress who played Fanny Thornton cracked my up
For Triple (up to episode 5) : Does anyone else find Triple a little boring? I’m not the slightest bit interested in the main leads getting together. Everybody seems blue-Hwal is sad, Choi Soo In is sooooo depressing, Hae Yun is the rebuffed lover….. at first, Haru was annoying, but now she adds the smile needed on the show. I’ll continue watching because I’m hoping things pick up. I was just wondering if anyone else has been disappointed.
@51, lidge_fan
Great post! I too was quite enamored of Richard Armitage after seeing North & South; so much so that I started watching Robin Hood on BBCA again just to be able to see him as Guy of Gisborne week after week. Needless to say, it’s hard to cheer on the good guy when the bad guy is so dreamy and angsty and conflicted and lovesick…all that great stuff that turns otherwise intelligent women into babbling fools.
If you want to see RA as an absolutely adorable character, you’ve just got to watch him as Harry in Vicar of Dibley! It is hilarious and sweet and romantic; about a lovelorn vicar who has been searching all her life for the right man. She’s bold and brash and loud (and not a little overweight, LOL), but this gorgeous man meets her and falls for her at first sight! It’s just great!
Here’s a little sneak preview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5R7l1mfUGk
Hope you enjoy it! Right now, my heart and mind and soul are too full of Cha Seung Won to even think of another man, Just ask my poor husband…
Regarding Lady Castle, I also heard that Wang Seok Hyun (the adorable kiddo from Speed Scandal) was also cast as Yoon Eun Hye little cousin
I just can’t wait to watch Lady Castle. Gosh, I’ve been waiting for 2 years for YEH to return to the small screen. LC fighting!
i understand the need to gush over your love for CH but I find it’s a bit weird that some people give thanks to the CH Soompier on JB’s blog. Why not go THERE to express your gratitude. idk, it feels like hijacking JB’sblog somehow.
I took a peek at CH. This is shallow but — CSW’s eyebrows scare me, and does he have a little manliner on? Or are those natural? He does have a sexy voice and a commanding presence as the lead. I’ll give this a shot before the end of the year, fo sho!
Is anyone planning to watch Lee Seo Jin’s (I think that’s how you spell his name) MBC drama ” Soul (혼 / Hon)”?
I saw the trailer and the mv for the theme song for the series (sung by Yangpa) and the series looks promising. I really want to watch it but I’m not too good with horror shows and films.
Here’s the link to the trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntpb-nyyhcE
first part of the mv
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCmwKW0QZi0
the second part of the mv
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq5k6XpxFwo
@55,
I am as guilty of hijacking as anyone – even when I am on topic, things can mysteriously drift toward KJH (mine) or my Binnie. And so when I get chastised by JB directly or by proxy, I know I deserve it. And so I’ve made a concerted effort to keep on topic. I really do try to keep on topic now, not just in deference to JB, but because its rude to everyone if I go off-topic. But, open friday threads are open, aren’t they?
Just curious, which topics should we avoid for future reference?
@SamuraiGirl
@Nanner……..shining inheritance is actually quite good for a typical k-drama. It does start slow but it will grow on you. Then you’ll be like me—praying for the weekend and stalking Viikii for the subs LOL. Thunderbolt is doing a fabulous job with recapping this series. You can check her out here:thundie.wordpress.com (sorry Thundie, I love your blog so much I had to brag about it! ^_^)
@Max…not so much disappointed but slightly irritable? The characters are not perfect which is ok with me. However, the slightly larger than normal amount of irritating characters (Hyun-tae in stalker mode, Su-in in general and Sang-Mee in drunk/wanna be free spirit mode) is raising my cranky meter. Overall, I like the vibe of this drama and episode 6& 7 are both great. I’m still watching this drama……somehow I fell in love with Coffee Prince at Episode 6. And yes Triple, you had me at Episode 6.
Does anyone know why WithS2 is not on D-addicts fansub wiki? I have’nt anything on them this week.
@haller….you have a point there. a lot of City Hallers hang out here and at Soompi. And some of the peeps here like samsooki and linda recap on soompi as well. either way it’s cool since it’s open thread.
Just finished watching the last episode of CH. It was awesome. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy so I can re-watch my favourite scenes like the tango and all the skinship moments.
I fast forwarded a lot of episodes because I’m working through a few other dramas but this is definitely a keeper and destined to be a KSA classic.
The only kdrama still on my radar is Queen Seon Duk, which should do me until CH is available at my favourite DVD supplier. I’ll also be picking up Shining Inheritance which is good for a fluffy distraction when one is really bored.
Also discovered a lot of interesting jdramas meanwhile.
Happy viewing everyone.
Oh, I love scary movies. I’ll definitely give Soul a try. I finished Hometown Legends but that wasn’t scary at all. I know Korean dramas are mostly about romance, but can anyone recommend a good Korean horror movie? I saw Aarang with LDW. It was pretty good but not scary at all.
Hope everyone have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
If anyone lives in Los Angeles and wants a unique experience with watching fireworks, try driving on the 5 freeway (around Disneyland) at night. I don’t know what time the fireworks start, but I was driving home once on fourth of July and got to view the fireworks. It was such a beautiful sight (can be a little dangerous though so drive carefully).
Yippeee Happy Weekend!
(and to the US dramabeans readers – Happy 4th July! Enjoy the food and fireworks!)
Re: Lack of internet
JB I so sympathise about the lack of internet access. I did not realise how important the net was to me until I had no access for a few days last week. Nearly died! Really how did I ever live without the internet?
Since this is open thread and I can rant on anything……
Last night went to Jay Chou’s concert and had much fun! It was weird but the beginning was a bit flat, not as uber high as I expected. But by the end I was so loving it. After a very (very) trying week – there was no way I was missing Jay. It was awesome.
It was funny as I had forgotten most of his songs due to my addiction to korean OST/pop of late. It does not help that I don’t understand Mandarin – but good music is truly universal! Jay Chou is a seriously talented musican – he played 4 instruments during the concert. My fav was when he played a traditional Chinese instrument on one of my favourite Jay songs! Gonna check out my video of that…..so loved it!
Also discovered a great vocalist in Lara and the group Nan Quan Mama, who were special guests. Had no idea who they were but Lara’s vocals blew my mind!
And OMG a girl got proposed to on stage during the concert – with Jay singing after the guy popped the question! Seriously that is one memorable proposal. I mean – come on Jay Chou SANG after your special moment!! *sigh* *faint* The romantic in me was so giddy it was ridiculious! How can you top that!? Congrats to that couple…but come to think of it, not sure if she said yes LOL!
Re: City Hall
Gee City Hall sounds too awesome – and it’s great that the ending was satisfactory for the fans. Wow. Definitely have to visit the DVD shop next week!
Re: Richard Armitage
@51 lidge_fan and @ 53 langdon813
Richard Armitage was so good in North And South. Have only glimpsed Robin Hood, but even with RA it has not grabbed me as much as Merlin (which is awesome!).
And yep langdon813 – totally agree that RA was so gorgeous in the Vicar of Dibley. The character was so adorable and lovely, and I love Dawn French! One of my fav scenes was the hilarious ‘Platoon’/coming out of the mud by Geraldine (French). LMAO! It had aired just after I had finished ‘North and South’ – and my love for RA went sky high. Got to the stage where my pal and I were obsessing about RA and his fansite (which was very good)
Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air! Life is really awesome!
Good luck with the unpacking!
As for K-dramas, I’m currently watching Return of Iljimae and Shining Inheritance. I’ve been on the fifth episode of RoI for the past months (no joke)…I can’t seem to get past part 3 of episode 5 on viikii…mainly because I read the Ep Review here and I know it’ll be a heartbreaking one. :/ However, I’m going to try my best to finish it tonight.
Aaaaand as for Shining Inheritance, I’m ridiculously addicted to it. It’s a solid drama. It’s well-paced, there’s character development, suspense, humor, and romance. As someone mentioned, the best part is the chemistry between the two leads and the small romantic moments. At first, I had the same opinion as some regarding LSG’s character. I didn’t think he was good looking and thought he was a ridiculous jerk. However, his character matures and once you see the chemistry between him and the main actress (as well as his smiles)…well you can’t help rooting for him. Well, that was the case with me. For me, the best part is the trust that they have in one another (you’ll see what I mean if you do watch it…and reach the later episodes– after ep 17 or so).
I’ve been getting into J-dramas lately…finished a couple. I have Bloody Monday on pause—first 15 minutes seem okay…I’m waiting for Otomen as well (purely for shallow reasons…the lead actor is super cute.)
I’m considering watching Black and White…and I’m definitely considering watching City Hall after reading all these comments. If people say it’s comparable to Coffee Prince, then :O must watch!
I think I’ll start it tonight.
@62, bspanda
“IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5dzvE7YMpA
Now picture ME as Dawn French and Cha Seung Won as the groom…
So glad you had a great time at the Jay Chou show, you’re right, he’s insanely talented!
I feel like I should rewatch my last 13 episodes of City Hall – still stuck on episode 13, but not because City Hall, but because I’ve been catching up on other stuff – it was clearly a mistake when I decided, hey, let’s take a break and catch up on Gossip Girl. Because now I’m all caught up on Gossip Girl and still not-so-much caught up on City Hall. Maybe I’ll rewatch all of it, because I feel like I haven’t raged hard enough or swooned enough for the chemistry between KSA and CSW. Should I? Maybe I’ll finish it first before I do a second run.
Okay, does anybody else watch Gossip Girl? Because really, I love that show a lot right now. And Chuck’s love for Blair is just so… heartbreaking. Or, was, until they finally got together in the season 2 finale [sorry, did I just unintentionally spoil that for someone?]. Chuck… despite his many flings with women, really doesn’t know what to do with his love for Blair. Because it’s such a contradiction for him. And especially later, after a series of events, he seems to have lost his self-esteem and goes to deny that what he feels for her doesn’t exist. It’s so sad to watch Chuck and Blair… yes, I am guilty of crying for those two. Several times. And especially when Blair, who is so anxious to seek for confirmation that what he feels for her is the same, is denied the truth and Chuck, when asked by Serena why he lied, says, “Because I love her… and I can’t make her happy.”
Anyway. Other than my love [obsession] for Chuck&Blair, Gossip Girl… can be interestingly profound. Like some of the narration/observations of GG in the show are sometimes thought-provoking. Of course, the show Gossip Girl is also quite a rollercoaster ride. They always throw some good “whammies” towards the end of the seasons – such as season 1 & 2, which are also the only 2 seasons out so far.
That said, and my advertisement for GG over, I can not wait for season 3.
Oh, and N&S… am I guilty for mentioning that? I might rewatch that again – my friend and I are having another P&P and all things related marathon before we go off to college. I love love love the proposal scene. And the “looking back” scene. I love so much about North & South it’s difficult to describe in words – especially some of the cinematography. The cotton flying in the mill looks so beautiful – but at the same time, on second thought, that is how some die from breathing in the cotton. I love love love North & South.
Anyway. On the subject of High Kick season 2, I’m still trying to finish High Kick season 1. But I think I’m aching for some big romance dramas that will make me cry [post-GG syndrome].
And I recently succumbed to twitter. I don’t know why – but I am now attempting to stalk all GG-related people, except Dan [Pen something forgot his name, see? Clearly dislike him]. Of GG people, I hate Dan & Vanessa the most. They are annoying and pretend to be “genuine” when really, they aren’t. Jenny used to be okay, but ever since season 2, she has spoiled her image forever. And I think I’m a little obsessed with Chace Crawford, who plays Nate… even though Nate’s a rather forgettable character, except when fighting Chuck for Blair [and I feel sorry for him, because we all know Chuck & Blair are destined].
@58 SAMSOOKIE & @59 SIMI
oh no don’t get me wrong, totally understand the purpose of JB’s Friday Open Thread – spazz over any thing & everything your heart delights. I just found it’s a bit off that some people say thanks to the CH Soompiers HERE. Would it be better to give thanks directly @ CH Soompi?
@62 bspanda – omg you went to a Jay concert?? where at? The 2 taiwanese singers i have always wanted to see live are Jay and Wang Lee Hom. I saw Wang Lee Hom in Vegas over Chinese New Year this year so now I just need some Jay action…lucky! He is such an amazing musician. Have loved his works for many many years. And about understanding the language – you don’t really need to. Great music truly is universal.. and plus Jay’s chinese has always been super slurred… i can barely understand him most of the time haha.
And yes Lara is a great singer
I discovered her when she did some tracks on the “It Started With A Kiss” soundtrack. Glad you had fun!
@63 HeyCitrus – Definately watch Black and White! It is so so so good. I was a total skeptic at first because I’ve never been a big fan of Vic and I had no idea who the other main guy was much less the rest of the cast. However, other posters in this thread highly recommended it and I’m so glad I listened. Give it a try – it’s definately different from the typical TW dramas out there
Happy friday everyone, well it’s saturday here in my country…
) which did not used torrent coz i have no knowledge whatsoever with the word torrent XD
@JB, hope you can get settled soon and good luck on your new place
YAY!! I’m Going to my hometown this Afternoon!!! I’m gonna see my family and will add my dvd collection of KDramas soon, the downside is i will not be connected to the internet for almost a week… well, maybe i’ll just watched drama or get some sleep
My sister’s been planning to take me to a korean restaurant in my hometown. Do you have any suggestion of what should i eat?? i only know the names of KFood from dramas, but not the taste of them.
I’ve been following The Son of Sol’s Pharmacy House from KBSW, i find their cousin (what’s her name? Miran??) is so obnoxious, it’s like we’re having a female version of Daepung, but rather than liking her, i was irritated by her character… Yay for Hana’s mother finally show up…
And i finally find a site that shared many KDramas (i know i’m late
will have to be patient for the next months to download dramas…
Soon to be Cityhaller
BBM
Since City Hall ended this week, this will probably be the final open thread to gush and gush some more about the magical viewing experience that was watching 2 spectacular actors (and super sexy and gorgeous to boot) geuninely create a falling in love experience before our eyes. Usually it’s meet cute, fight, suddenly fall in love, then one ridiculous obstacle or another. In CH, it’s funny, mature, witty, and really believably that Jo Gook and Shin Mirae will fall deeply in love. My fave scenes (in no particular order):
the camping scene when she strokes his face and his reply to her actions (I gasped, his words were electric)
his car (THE kiss), and when he shields her from the sun
when she dances with his jacket
when they meet on the staircase and she tells him that she has lost and he just keeps staring at her with so much pain in his eyes
the moon river dance in her garden (and his adorable placards)
the night he wins the election (and how GH gets her due)
when he jealously spars with her “neighborhood oppa”
and each and every scene between them.
What will I watch now? Will finish Shining Inheritance, only because it’s fluffy and still around. But will think about CH constantly and analyze how well-written, directed and acted the entire drama was.
I want to go try out for Miss. Bendaengi now.
@ 51 lidge_fan, 53 langdon813, 65 A.
I am a sucker of BBC dramas. North and South is a stayer on my shelf, one I re-watch at least once a year. Never thought cotton and snow would mix that well. I love all those scenes you people mentioned, and Richard Armitage!! The proposal, the ‘looking back, looking back’, and the train station….. will need to re-watch it again once my CH fever calms down.
@ 33 Nom_Kitteh
Love, love, love your post! Very well said of the emotion and high we went through!
@ 69 ockoala
It will be a VERY VERY LONG list of favourite scenes and favorite lines for me. It is almost everything.
@ Samsooki
Aren’t you out of town, and you still manage to sneak in for a comment or two? Hope you have a great weekend. Thanks to you and the project team for the hard works on one of the most anticipated projects ………. I am so looking forward to it.
wow!! the cityhall grp what moved here?!
after the grand closing of cityhall i am hanging in the air with mon & tue – man who can’t get married (i love that show!) empty for wed & thurs (maybe will try out triple since there’s a few likable actors in it) friday is rest and sat & sun-shinning legecy.
LSG is a hot pie to show. but i am watching it for ES (what’s her real name?) she is pretty good in here. i nvr like the spring walts so i really don’t think much abt her. of cuz, the plot is old and reused to death but so what? i like it. oh… EW that autistic brother is a heart wrench for me.
JUST finished the last 3 episodes of City Hall. So many twists and turns, i thought my stomach was going to come out of my mouth from all the excitement! I love how the writers slowly eased into the end instead of drama-drama-drama for most of it and then happily ever after for 10-15 minutes! I feel so warm and happy now because of the drama! Feel a bit bereft now. I haven’t watched and enjoyed a kdrama this much since Hong Gil Dong (which my mom now is watching for the second time! She loves the Yi Nok and Gil Dong interactions. )
@72 asianromance:
Me, too!, my last most enjoyable drama was also Hong Gil Dong (thanks to the wonderful recaps and love from Javabeans did I start it). Kang Ji Hwan and Cha Seung Won are such different style actors and looks that I can love both without feeling like a cheater. =-)
If there are just 1-2 great k-dramas each year, then I can suffer through the interminable inbetweens.
Happy weekend to everyone! love you all thoughtful posters and fellow kdrama, tdrama, jdrama addicts.
I stopped watching shining inheritance after a few episodes. i admire the female main character, but somehow somewhere i just lost interest, more so when i read spoiler saying who she will fall in love with. it’s just so typical. why can’t a second lead in kdrama get the girl when he likes/loves her so much and do/sacrifice alot compared to the jerk who is the male lead, and much better personality than the first lead and maybe just as good looking, if not better? whatever. Cinderella story only works if the prince charming is likeable, and i’m not liking it at all for the few episodes that i watched.i dunno what past he has, but some other male lead with dark past has more bearable personality than this; they get tougher and mysterious instead of bratty and spoiled and super duper rude – a complete jackas*.
i wanted to watch something different for a change and someone recommended “how to be a perfect neighbor”. i watch it before but stopped because of something to do with my internet connection (i cant live without it too!!!!!). i’m glad some poeple reminded me of this drama coz it was freaking awesome. the ending and the drama as a whole is definitely what i’m talking about something different. if you haven’t watched it, give it a go. i’ll probably gonna talk a lot more about it in my blog, when i have more time.
i’m not watching anything now except what is showing on kbs world (road home, sol pharmacy sons). still stuck halfway in cinderella man…and yes, whoever had a problem with yoona, same here. she doesn’t convince me. and to tell you the truth, a star’s lover was much better even though it’s slow. but i’m determined to finish it, cause kwon sang woo, song chang eui and han eun joo are the ones most interesting to watch.
but so now i’m really behind everything. i still have return of iljimae, worlds within (yes, i intend to watch that), slingshot, que sera sera, hello god (now we’re going really back in time), triple, change (just because i love HERO and kimutaku), man who cannot get married (both versions) and partner.
think i’ll add lady castle to the list, the telemovies, and ah, maybe black and white (since everyone say it’s really nice) and maybe city hall since everyone is a shipper here?
i nearly wanted to watch ja myung go, because i like the soundtrack, esp baek ji young’s “love is not a crime” but…after reading soompi, i think not.
wah…..13 confirmed dramas to watch this year. haha. that’s a lot.
I have a question for Javabeans. Are you going to do a audio file for “Triple” regarding its OST? If yes, I would be so grateful ^_^
Ok, since so many of you raved about City Hall, I have to watch it! I was not planning to until I read so many good reviews. I gave up watching Triple since I don’t find it very interesting and some of the actresses annoy me to no end, I decided it’s not quite my taste of drama. I’m caught up on Partner and Friend, Our Legand and my hope is to finish the entire 20 episodes of City Hall this weekend! That’s 10 hours a day! I got the first epi down, 19 more to go!! Whew~
@epyc,
We are at my parents-in-law’s home. Major brownie points for staining their deck.
We woke up at like 5 am, and the drove down to MD, and then I got right to work. Maryland crabcakes at timbuktu and then k-dramas until bedtime.
I’m still reeling from the power of City Hall. EASILY THE BEST DRAMA OF THE YEAR…though we are only half way through. Best leads, best couple chemistry, best storytelling, best directing and script (never thought I’d say this bcoz I hated the Lovers’ series), best kisses (not kidding, not one but many), best ending, and BEST OSTs. Did I miss out anything? I, too, didn’t like epis 1 & 2…but found myself going back to revisit them as the story went along. There were little gems to be mined when they seemingly appeared to be rough cuts at first glance.
I have watched the ending 3 times and planning on watching it oh maybe another 10?
It’s like a black hole.
@52 Max..you made it to epi 5 for Triple? I took a nap in the middle of ep 1 and I haven’t woken up yet….hmm…except only to watch City Hall. After the CH fever has gone down, I may try it again though. Same for Partner.
@64 langdon813
LMAO! OMG you should have warned me about that clip – I was eating and nearly choked to death!!! Who knew RA was so dangerous! I haven’t watched City Hall but will remember to insert Cha Seung Won to this clip when I do
@67 lovenyc52
I suppose you could say I have hit your 2 for 2, having now seen both Leehom and Jay in concert. I can now die and go to heaven…hahaha
My absolute favourite Taiwanese singer is Leehom. Discovered him from the Shangri-la 心中的日月 album – such a great track and album! From there it was his older albums, plus all his subsequent releases. Still cannot believe I went to his concert a few years ago! Definitely no regrets as the concert was awesome, not to mention the friends I made. I admire Leehom for a variety of reasons. He is such a musical talent, he seems down to earth, a nice guy who is humble and also works with charities. And not to mention he is awesome live!
With Jay I am not such a uberfan but admire his skills too. I do have his albums as they always entertain. And I do not buy into that whole Leehom v’s Jay crap. Talent is talent. Good music is good music. One can totally appreciate more than one.
For those who have no idea who Wang Lee Hom or Jay Chou are – you should check them out. There is much to love!
Oh so that is the same Lara?! I totally loved the tracks from “It Started With A Kiss” soundtrack and I was wondering if it was one and the same. Thanks for clearing that up for me. Now discovering Nan Quan Mama!
Life is good. Music is awesome! Happy weekend!
Cinderella man – I sort of don’t like this drama. The reasons are many.
1. I dislike stuff where there are twins played by the same actor, and when the twins finally meet, it is all about body doubles and clever editing
2. The story is weak.
3. I am distracted by the massive white pama hairdo of the rich CEO.
4. KSW strutting around in tight pants is too much for my eyes. As the world’s most interesting man says, “if I can count the change in your pocket, then take that change and get your pants tailored.
HOWEVER.
Yoona’s presence in CM is not a negative. Or she might be a negative, but it isn’t anything worth mentioning since the rest of CM is kind of a disaster. It’s like your parents house has been completely trashed by a house party your parents told you NOT to throw, and you are fretting because you forgot to water the plants your mom also asked you to water. Yoona might not be a strong positive, but I am getting the same vibes from ppl as when ppl were bashing SYR for snow queen on various websites like d-addicts..
I honestly have no feeling (for or against) Yoona right now. I’m just curious as to why ppl seem not to like her.
What is wrong with Yoona’s acting? Can someome point to a scene where she was the reason why the scene failed, and I’ll go back and rewatch and the we can talk about it specifically?
Guys I’m trying City Hall this time and really… it was HILARIOUS! I couldn’t stop laughing. I’m just in chap 2 and already I’m having the laugh of my life. It’s been quite a long time since I have this feeling. Like everybody else I wasn’t really planning to watch, coz I’m deadly tired at work and still catching up with shining inheritance not to mention Triple, but then I take the plunge and it’s worth it. Now I’m sitting aside Triple for this coz its deadly boring not on how its presented but because of the story…and its not making any sense to me now…
@81 Samsooki :
I didn’t think Yoona was that bad in Cinderella Man. It was the overall story line that failed for me. Anyway, I am so spoiled by the quality of City Hall’s story telling that I think I’d better shut up now. I have said enough in my post above. Don’t you think City Hall should have been Cinderella’s Hall?
Shining Inheritance is great, people can call it cliche but give me k drama thats wholly original?
Talking of Taiwianese Drams anyone here watching Easy Fortune Happy life at the moment? Its actually quite interesting, but I think they’ve copied the story from somewhere, i can’t remeber where tho.
Triple has left me seriously disappointed, it just doesn’t have enough substance, I don’t like the characters at all, in fact I’ve not been ths annoyed since Xaoi Bei from Magicians of Love and I hated that B with passion.
And im not sure if I should say this or not (Im gonna get hated for this..) But I get the impression that the Hallers here are trying extremely hard to get JB and others who gave up CH after the first few eps to get back on.
Hi !
Just curiois to know about kdrama Everybody Cha Cha Cha ?
Mr Oh Man Suk from vineyard man is acting. Don’t mind if someone write a
summary of this drama, thanks.
@Samsooki:
it’s her character, imo. and her delivery. the character from what i see, is this spoiled fashion genius who lost her dad and had to start from the beginning and learn some hard stuff but she retains her spoiled girl kind of character, yet wants to be nice and helpful. nothing wrong with that. just that her character is complex. for eg., han eun jung’s character is complex as well but i find her so full of charisma although annoying and seems to be hiding lots of secrets. have u seen how she slap the pan on the pama moneylender? i was pleasantly surprised.
so, unless i’m wrong, yoona’s character is not likeable though it can be. since the character is a little complex, i think yoona’s just not so ready to handle such a character. it’s like she’s pretending to be nice instead of being a real person. and that really annoys me.
btw, those twins rarely meet in mid episodes, when kwon sang woo 1 flies off to paris, and the other kwon sang woo plays him and himself. in episode 5 onwards till i don’t know, ksw1 doesn’t appear at all.
it’s a breather to watch kwon sang woo play a more comic character than his usual weepy stuff (in dramas).
and yes, the writing is weak. the story is cliche but they managed to make some points interesting enough to keep me watching. and it’s song chang eui! i’m just not watching now cause i’m stuck in my last semester.
@ 84 CrimemasterGogo
“But I get the impression that the Hallers here are trying extremely hard to get JB and others who gave up CH after the first few eps to get back on.”
It is quite obvious that the City Hallers could have created this impression. But, ultimately, the question is why we are so passionate about it? I guess it goes back to your question “give me k drama thats wholly original”. And we find it in CH, it is as simple as that. We just want to share a great drama with other drama lovers.
Feel free to go to Viikii and see the viewers’ comments there. They speak for themeselves.
I hope you will become a City Haller too
@84 CrimemasterGogo
Oh believe me, we City Hallers are quite shamelessly trying to get everyone to give it a chance! This one drama has brought together so many people from all over the world, people who would NEVER even have had a conversation otherwise, people who can now talk and say, “WOW, wasn’t this great? Aren’t we lucky to have gone through this wonderful experience together?”
I know it must get on people’s nerves to have to read post after post after post about City Hall…but you have to admit, where there’s this much smoke, there’s gotta be some fire!
I agree with epyc, I sincerely hope you will become a City Haller too! There can never be too many people at this party!
I always planned to watch City hall (the previews looked pretty funny) but after JB’s posts blasting the drama I did have second thoughts for a while so I didn’t bother picking it up, but after the Hallers invading the Open thread for the last few weeks I have changed my mind, now I just need the time.
@89, CrimemasterGogo
WOO HOO! Then our work here is done!
Cool name, by the way.
I second @87 epyc and @88 langdon, and all the other City Hallers out there. I have watched dramas for over 20 years (since I was a wee lass learning Chinese whilst watching terrible shows with me mum), and love following reviews, blogs and threads, none more than Javabeans most excellent blog. But City Hall is the first show that has made me want to comment and write about it, write it down so I don’t forget this feeling. To watch something not only original, but wonderful, memorable and heartfelt for the first time in as long as I can remember, I don’t want to just say “oh, good drama, you should watch.” It seems such insignificant praise. And I was initially reluctant to watch b/c (1) I don’t like KSA (thought MNIKSS is over-rated and her acting as well), and (2) I hate politics and all shows political (couldn’t watch 5 minutes of The West Wing). But this show is not about politics, and redefines what makes watching dramas potentially so rewarding. I dislike being so fervent, as I hate it when others tell me I just HAVE to watch X show or Y show, just cuz I’m contrary. But I won’t tell anyone to watch. I just want to shout out my love for City Hall and for all the spendid actors and directors and scripwriter who made perfection possible.
@CrimemasterGogo
i’m watching Easy Fortune Happy Life. they got the story from a taiwanese novel. It’s not the most original story but it has a lot of heart and the execution of it in the drama is pretty good, especially with getting Chen Qiao En as the female lead.
@ CrimemasterGogo
I’m watching “Easy Fortune Happy Life,” mostly because I like Chen Qiaoen and most of the things she does. It’s cute and gives me the impression of: CRACK DRAMA, but hey, that’s alright. I like watching cute dramas that amuse me. Plus, I like some of the clever-insulting dialogue that pops up like once every episode. I think the storyline is somewhat adopted from the KDrama 1% of Anything which had Kim Junghwa and Kang Donwon – at least the premise of two guys marrying a girl to get the inheritance or whatever.
I feel like Triple’s been pretty hit-or-miss with people. It’s either you like the characters, the feel of the drama, which I describe as “sunny” or it completely goes off your radar and you see it as something different. Not sure why, however.
*sigh* I feel like I must be mentally prepared to restart City Hall again or just start all over from the beginning. I don’t know why I feel so reluctant – is it because I’m afraid that I won’t be able to stop or that I’m afraid I’ll miss something subtle or some little nuance and then the rest of City Hall will go over my head and I won’t appreciate it as much as I want to?
OMG – just finished City Hall tonight!
Absolutely one of the best romantic dramas I have seen in a long, long time.
It certainly evoked a wide range of emotions in me…. i laughed like a lunatic in some scenes, fell in love with Jo Guk and Shin Mirae, cried like my heart was the one breaking in others, got mad in behalf of the lead characters, and felt pride in Shin Mirae’s transformation and conviction.
Plus, the soundtrack was fantastic. I loved “Booranhan Sarang” and promised to myself I will learn how to sing it in Korean! LOL …. Thanks to a faithful fansubber who did a Cityhall MV of this song with Korean lyrics and English translations. It was perfect for Jo Guk and Shin Mirae….made me love the song even more.
What I will miss…
1. KSA and CSH’s chemistry and acting chops,
2. the writing (excellent dialogue, nicely woven plotlines)
3. the rest of the cast who played their parts really well
4. the music
It will be too much to expect other dramas in 2009 will live up to City Hall’s standards. But I hope we see other quality work come out the rest of the year.
Happy 4th of July!!! Hope everybody’s(for those of you in the States) having a great long weekend and enjoying fireworks) Since I’m working today(flying as I’m a flight attendant), I’ll be missing all the fireworks… may be some from up above… Anyway, I’m re-watching some of my fav. episodes of CH, yep, it’s right, it seems I can’t get enough of it. The series was like a tornedo, tsunami or tyhoon… I was completely swept away. It might even worth buying the DVD set. Shinning Inheritance, my secret of watching through that drama is to skip all the “evil step-mom scheming something horrid” scenes. I mean, it’s easy enough to guess what other horrible thing she might come up with. So, why bother torturing myself witnessing the acts… It’s so much more enjoyable and less time consuming to catch up with.
@86 chajjye –
I think some dramas are just your garden variety dramas. Nothing too bad, nothing too great.
Think about it this way. If a drama is 20 episodes, and it runs 2x a week, that’s 10 weeks. Figure 40 weeks in a year, and that’s 4 dramas per time slot. Maybe 3 time slots per week for dramas, and that’s 12 dramas that a company has to produce in a year. SBS, KBS and MBC…. that’s over 30 dramas every year. (no wonder I can’t catch up… LOL).
That many dramas has got to be a huge strain on the ability of writers and directors and so on to come up with new ideas, fresh plots and so on.
So, I understand, and I like cliched plots anyway. Who doesn’t like the rich son of a hotel magnate giving his heart to the poor orphan girl with the heart of gold and a spunky personality?
I just want the story to be compelling enough that I feel like I understand why characters do what they do.
For CM, I can’t really understand why KSW is doing anything, whether has the rich guy or as the poor guy. I don’t understand why Yoona’s character is doing anything either. I feel like they don’t have to do anything if they don’t want to, so how characters develop is purely on a whim.
Anyhoo, it is lunchtime. Happy Fourth!
My Dear City Hallers!
I feel so empty because I have nothing to look forward to on Wed-Thu or even any day of the week. It was a wonderful rollercoaster ride, I screamed, I nauseated, and I laughed. I want the ride to never end!
Happy Fourth of July to all Americans!
And enjoy the rest of the Weekend!
@97 mzpakipot
I think the next step is to form/join an anonymous City Hall Self-Help Group to deal with the CH withdrawal. I feel completed after watching CH, but also empty because it’s over.
I’ve heard Black and White (a Taiwanese drama is very good), and since it just ended, I may start that to pass to time and not think too much about missing JG and SMR and their witty banter and adorable cuteness.
I just finished episode 14 The Sons of Sol Pharmacy and now my desk full of used tissues and my eyes are red and swollen, how could I go outside this morning ( it’s 1.30 AM at my place )?
Aih, it’s too sad. But I’m liking it so far, I hope it won’t getting worse like Job Well Done.
I’m planning to watch City Hall later, just because you guys have bragged alot about it, but unfortunately the subs aren’t out all yet…on the other side, I really don’t have any interest on Brilliant Legacy, dunno why.
It’s already Sunday here, and why weekends always feel so fast!
@80 bspanda – omg i’m so jealous hahaha… jay usually comes to LA each year but it’s always around christmas and that’s when i go back up to norcal to visit my parents so i always miss him. i actually had to skip out on chinese new years with my parents to be able to see Lee Hom. I can’t remember which album of Jay’s hooked me, but I have all of them as they all have great tracks. With Lee Hom it was Shangri-La and then I went back and bought some of his old albums too.
I think I’m just really amazed with Lee Hom because he was born and raised in New York area and didn’t really start studying chinese until he was 18, and now he’s writing and composing his own music, acting, and plays like 10 instruments. Just crazy talented. This past concert (Music Man) was just AWESOME…and he did a meet and greet and signing afterwards which just totally made the trip so much more awesome haha..
As for Lara – I’m not sure if it’s the same one, but it’s the only Lara I’m familiar with in the Taiwanese music industry. Either way, if she was good she’s good!
So far I’ve had the best year every (musically speaking) because I got to go to a Lee Hom and Epik High concert as well as meet them and get stuff signed haha.. Now all I have left is Jay! haha
Hello to all CITYHALLERS and would-be CITYHALLERS!
I have nothing much to say about the drama nor the ending. I’m just so bad organizing my thoughts if I really really like something. It’s like all words are rushing to my head begging to be written out. Anyway, I don’t think I’d be able to write something that the rest hasn’t written yet.
Suffice to say that for 4 years my kdrama standard is MNIKSS-high. All dramas fall short my expectation because of MNIKSS. At the end of the day, I go back to the comfort of rewatching my MNIKSS DVD again, and get the feeling that I wanted to feel, that other dramas just won’t give to me.
Then came City Hall. Though, most of you know me as a big KSA fan, I’m not expecting much from City Hall. I feel so bad for the turn out of KSA’s MNIKSS follow-up WIAN, that I somehow lost trust on her/her management’s choice of project. City Hall – a political drama. What fun can we get from there? The writer-pd team? I’m not a fan of their previous works. Synopsis that came out – too boring. But then, I know that KSA’s acting will be the saving grace at least, so must give it a try. Plus I’m excited to see what chemistry will burst from KSA-CSW.
And pooof! Who would expect that City Hall, would put my MNIKSS DVD to rest? From the first time we see the previews, and after we get past episode 1 to 3.5 (yes 3.5, i think the last half of episode 3 is when the typhoon is started to shatter the tea-cup) we’ve been engage in a wonderful roller coaster journey, and as one soompier said, gave us a great firework display for it’s ending.
And I’m glad to be part of that journey. I just hope that it won’t take me another 4 years to find another wonderful drama. But if my MNIKSS standard gave me a hard time to fully enjoy the drama, then it might be more difficult now to enjoy another drama since my new standard is City Hall. (aside: i’m not exaggerating. i’m just not a big drama watcher/fan)
I’d like to thank everyone who watched and loved the series. I’d like to thank everyone who spread the city hall love – EVERYWHERE. And I’d definitely like to thank everyone who gave City Hall a second (or for others, a third) chance.
And thank you JB for your Open Thread that for the past Fridays, became a venue of City Hallers to rant, rave and convince others to start watching / give city hall another chance. I’ve never enjoyed your Open Thread this much!
I’m gonna miss our Fridays here. But I’m looking forward to see you all once the re-caps started sailing out on the main blog. And I’m looking forward to meet more and more new cityhallers!
Continue spreading the City Hall Love!
“원더우먼 신미래! 인주시를 부탁해! 원더우먼 신미래! 인주시를 부탁해! 원더우먼 신미래! 인주시를 부탁해!”
I just start wathching friends, looks interesting and intence. It is little hart core after City Hall but I can take it anyway. I need something to avoid withdrowers from CH. After reading all of your coments I want to rewatch again CH ep. 20.
wow! City Hall was a great drama! The chemistry between KSA and CSW was sizzling!! This drama made me fall in love with both of them and their coupling, too. Count me in as a fan!
Seeing a strong, masculine man crying for the one he loves made me weak in the knees. I had never heard of CSW before. What other projects has he been in?
Hi all,
I am in the midst of hosting out of town friends for the next four days (starting with yesterday), but I have been feeling strange inside — kind of removed and in la-la land! My head is still wrapped around City Hall! It’s stupid, maybe, but after the roller coaster ride of the last whole week and a half (I marathoned — yeah, I am using it as a verb — my way through) and I feel incapable of getting out of that space.
Thank you to all of you here who are commenting on City Hall because it feels so good to read your comments and to know that I am not alone.
@samsooki: totally right! Props to BB for capturing that character!
Somehow I was never able to hate anyone in the show. Maybe I am the only one. I raged at the villains, but could never hate them. I think it is because the writer humanized them all so well. They seemed to all have their reasons (valid in their own ways) for acting in hurtful ways, so even though at times I was furious and ready to murder someone, deep down I could see where they were coming from. Even BB.
Unlike many other dramas where the villains are caricaturized, I thought the ones in CH were made even more real by their emotions and by the fact that the lead was not all good. So everyone fit into each other’s lives with shades of morally ambiguous gray.
@those who are thinking of trying this drama:
I was thinking yesterday that maybe this is also a drama that appeals to some of us “older” folks, to those of us who have realized that romance comes with realities of baggage — lots of baggage — and how we negotiate those obligations while learning to relove, or love without fear, is where the romance lies.
SPOILER BELOW!! DO NOT READ. SPOILER IN THE NEXT TWO PARAGRAPHS!!
One of the scenes which knocked me to the ground was by the lake when Mirae says that she knows what JG will say in the future — that she has moved into “friends” territory or that he is leaving her not because of her but because of him (it’s not you, it’s me). In that moment, Mirae showed her scars in a way that was so matter of fact. I could see then why she would be wiling to be the other woman (something I found morally problematic, yet could completely understand). She has been around the block and knows that relationships are messy. And JG’s reaction is also revealing in that he doesn’t deny it so much as ask for her to see his goodness despite it all. So both acknowledged that love laws are messy. So when Mirae unapologetically tells the fiancee that JG is a romantic and different with her, I could rejoice for her without feeling morally torn by it.
Also…I want to kiss and hug the writer for making the ending so, so, so fan servicey. Many writers, i think, forget that a drama is only really as alive as the following it garners. I am all for artsy endings and all that, but sometimes we need a nicely wrapped present, with a nice bow tying it all. The ending of City Hall makes me want to cry now because it is so perfect. I was given everything I wanted, AND MORE! The call scene stunned me. I wasn’t expecting it AT ALL, and when you throw in fate and destiny with the real hard work of making a relationship work, you just cannot get a more perfect romantic story.
END OF SPOILER
@again, to those giving this drama a shot
1. Try to give it a chance for 5-6 episodes. It gets into its groove fairly late in the game, but once in, it doesn’t let up. So try to hang on.
2. If you are…very young, I don’t know, but maybe, maybe, you won’t like it too much. I am guessing that this is a drama for the 25+ crowd. I could be wrong.
3. The politics presented is actually really good, so give it a shot before fast forwarding. People like Karl Rove redefined how politics is seen. Politicians are media-blitz constructions, and the geniuses behind the scene are fascinating people. If you know anything about the way Karl Rove “created” Bush and how Axelrod “created” Obama, you will love all the inside jokes the writer has thrown in every episode.
Hmm, I think I am writing a dissertation here so I will stop.
Sorry for not responding to individual posts here. Suffice it to say that I agree with you all.
Happy Fireworks Day
Thanks for the wonderful post Nom_Kitteh
—————–
2. If you are…very young, I don’t know, but maybe, maybe, you won’t like it too much. I am guessing that this is a drama for the 25+ crowd. I could be wrong.
—————–
That depends…. age is just a number I must say. I’m young (though I’m on your age-frame – 25 – oh! i’m getting older!), I have this preference to mature love stories. I fell in love with MNIKSS when I was 21 – not because I’m swooning over Hyun Bin but because of being able to relate to a character almost 10 years older than me.
I also know a lot of city hallers from soompi on their teens and early 20s – and some of them enjoyed BOF before.
—————–
about the politics thing, i find it boring while watching the raws because i can’t understand a single thing. but with subs, i think it was cleverly written, so i agree, think twice before fast forwarding. or as what sere (i think it was her/him) said a few fridays ago, fast forward early episodes if you really find it not satisfactory enough and enjoy the roller coaster ride – afterwards re-watch. Because you’ll miss a lot if you don’t watch the first episodes in full anyway.
@ Nom Kitteh
Why the 25+ crowd? Just out of curiosity.
I’m turning 18, but I really like the drama… though I feel at the moment that I can’t appreciate it for all its greatness… hence my reluctance at continuing the drama before I become more mentally prepared for it.
Age can make the difference, I remember watching Nobuta wo Produce after I’d left school for two years and I became teary eyed so many times. I felt I could relate to the drama so much, honestly it made me wish I could re-live my school moments which was the drama’s intention so I guess it suceeded.
Age is also the same reason why I didn’t fall madly for Dal Ja’s spring or MINKSS because honestly I couldn’t relate to much of it, its same reason why I don’t tend to like Ajumma dramas.
City Hall seems to be for the older audience, especially its look at relationships, Im not sure I’ll fall too heavily for that since Young spring love is something Im more accustomed to.
@A,
“Why the 25+ crowd? Just out of curiosity.”
I wrote this looooong response to your question and then decided not to post it because it has so many spoilers and it isn’t coming out right. I can’t seem to be able to put my thoughts into the right words — sorry.
In a nutshell, I think JG is a pretty scary kind of guy, the kind I wouldn’t want my friends to date. He is powerful,comfortable with playing games with people and the system, is ambitious almost to a fault, and ruthless in his intelligence. Overall, he is the kind of person who knows how to get up the ladder.
The writer doesn’t sugarcoat any of this. What she does instead is make his love completely sincere. That is, both Mirae and JG fall in love with their eyes wide open. That seems a more jaded, more adult approach to love.
I don’t think JG is the kind of man you would ever meet in college or as teens because he is the product of our fiercely competitive professional world and of a world of broken promises and ruthlessness. Mirae is also not coming to JG as a virginal romantic. She has been lied to and she has experienced broken promises. So Mirae and JG’s relationship contains all the juggling of seemingly contradictory obligations that are not fairy tale-ish, even though the love they experience is magical.
I think a viewer who may have experienced some of these contradictions may enjoy the drama more. But I realize that I am generalizing.
@alodia
Thank you for your comments (and all your wonderful hard work)! Your points helped me see that I might be wrong about my theory about what age group might prefer this drama!
@CrimemasterGogo,
Haa-ha. And your comments tells me that I might be right after all. Lol.
@106 A.
@107 CrimemasterGogo
@108 Nom_Kitteh
I will try and give my 2 cents worth on this age-related topic.
The age group that Nom_Kitteh suggested is probably an arbitrary number. However, I think it all boils down to accumulation of life’s experiences. At age 25, the experiences you have accumulated cannot be compared to experiences you have accumulated when you are 30, 40, 50 etc. But having said that, some people can encounter very life impacting experiences at a very early age.
SPOILER ALERT!
Back to City Hall, a boy, at age 5 was abandoned by his father. In desperation to gain acceptance and acknowledgment from his father, he was driven by an insatiable desire to become the President of Korea, which is the same goal as his father. Embarking on a political career, he is surrounded by corrupted, greedy, powerful, rich and bad people.
Then there is a woman, whose earlier years led a balanced life and her stance is life is to see goodness in people no matter how bad/evil they are. Perhaps it is because of this simplicity in her outlook in life that drove all her boyfriends to dump her at some point in their relationships.
By a certain twist of circumstance, this man meets this woman and you get to see how their life’s experiences rub off each other as they begin to fall in love.
A drama/movie is good only if you can really identify with the characters in it. You may not like this drama now because you are not able to relate to these characters at this point in time. However, at some stage later in life, you may view it differently because you may have chalked up enough life’s experiences and you can relate to these characters.
So that’s my 2 cents worth.
It’s late at night and I don’t have anyone to tell this story to, so I’m sharing with my DB pals because it is HILARIOUS. My husband has been known to sleepwalk a time or two, but it hasn’t happened in years. He talks in his sleep every night but rarely ever gets up and moves around.
Well.
A little backstory:
Our youngest son is spending the night with us tonight and has left his dog for us to babysit while he’s at a party. My husband drank quite a bit of wine tonight at the cookout we went to earlier (which probably explains everything) and went to bed about two hours ago.
So…Hubby comes in the den about 15 minutes ago and says the following:
“Okay, I’m going to bed (remember, he did this two hours ago). Kilo (the dog) is here, but I made the reservations and they’re in his name, so you NEED TO KNOW THIS (all caps because this part was said quite loudly). I also turned on the alarm (um, we don’t have an alarm system), but if it goes off too soon, THEN IT’S ALL ON YOU” (again with the loudness).
Now imagine me with a stunned look on my face (I know you guys don’t know what I look like, but still). Then he said:
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
He proceeded to repeat everything he just said as if it made perfect sense; rolled his eyes like I am the stupidest person he’s ever had the misfortune to encounter, then went back into the bedroom and SLAMMED THE DOOR!
I’m still laughing.
@ 110 langdon813
LOL, thanks for sending me off into a restful sleep with a chuckle and wondering if my goofball husband will ever gift me with such hilarity.
And my (final, yeah right….) comment on City Hall, truly, the ending (not just what happened, but how it all happened and the acting that went into making it so touching) makes this unequivocally the only drama I can recommend 100% without any reservation or disclaimer. Sheer perfection, and I am thankful all the City Hallers have been so vocal and willing to share their own take-aways from the drama, as it truly heightens the experience to ship along with fellow devotees. I usually love total niche shows like Veronica Mars, Battlestar Galactica and Buffy, so to feels warm and cuddly to find fellow lovers of City Hall all spouting City Hall love.
City Hall ahh…it’s just pure joy to watch a drama that is so well planned, be it the story telling, structure, editing and acting. The director and writer had organized everything in such a way that it is a pleasure to watch because everything eventually falls into place.
The actors did a wonderful job in conveying the story with both verbal and non verbal performances. Chemistry between the lead actors was electrifying. We viewers are so engross that at times we feel that they are our friends and we are somehow involved in their lives. We cry, laugh and were moved by their story. Each episode in this drama has something special and just when we think that they can’t top the last one, the next one surprise/delight us even more. There is a certain realistic approach to mature love that is not often seen. The sacrifices, compromises and choices we have to make for a relationship to work are often glamorized by fairy tale like romantic dramatization in most dramas. Here there is no gloss over of love and how complicated it can be or the fact that the characters are flawed.
The writer really knows what women want in a romantic drama and really delivers in a unique way – love was conveyed by action but never really spoken.
Congratulations to the cast & crew of this drama for a job well done!
I`m a certified City Haller. Nice to read lots of wonderful comments and reviews about the drama that I love and will cherish for life. I`m a huge fan of KSA and I`m so glad that she finally topped her performance in MNIKSS. She`s a brilliant actress!
I hope to see Suna and Cha in a movie, it`s hard to find superb actors like them.
@ bspanda
I’m so jealous! It’s my dream to go to one of their concerts.
Leehom is too perfect. He got like perfect SAT scores. Got into all these Ivy League schools and then instead of being a “traditional” doctor or lawyer decides to be a musician!!!
The craziest part is that he didn’t start learning Mandarin until 18 and now he’s perfect in it and can even write lyrics.
Amazing!
Of course as hard as it is to compare to him I do like Jay Chou a little more. For some reason Jay seems… more lonely and in need of someone so my heart goes out to him a bit more
* * *
@ Samsooki
re: Yoona’s chracter in Cinderella Man
I think it’s probably the story line and how her character was written. She seems ungrateful and wishy-washy. For example…
Her mom was in the hospital. Their house and business were about to be taken away and yet she has too much pride to take a job copying designs.
That just made me upset at her.
However, later on it was shown that she was kicked out of school because of her mistake in accidentally copying a design.
Now if they had somehow alluded to that scene first, then I would be able to understand her character’s motivations.
But because they didn’t, my initial impression of her was very negative.
Also for the entire first half you don’t get the impression that she likes Kwon Sang Woo that much. But then all of a sudden she’s hopelessly in love with him.
Just weird.
Also… and I know this is shallow but in a quite a few angles she looks like Yoo In Young. And unfortunately this actress has been in a few roles that I’ve really despised, so perhaps that dislike is influencing my judgment… I know, it’s not fair but I can’t help it
* * *
@ chajjye
Great points. Both Yoona and Han Eun Jung’s characters are complex but Eun Jung’s just able to pull it off better.
omg i feel the same way! im on vacation right now, and i went to seoul for 9 days, but i didn’t bring my laptop with me, so i either had to use my dad’s laptop or my mother’s (im such an idiot for not bringing my laptop). Also, only one IP address per apartment, so i had to fight with my sister for internet access, on the times when my father isnt using the internet for work.
Now im in China, two computers can access the internet, but its not wireless! i need to use lan, and i now know the bless of wireless, sitting or lying down anywhere you want.
I can never imagine me living 50 years ago, what kind of life did these people have? and was it better than us internet addicts??
I LOVE it you should definitely watch (the first Episode might be a little boring but most dramas are like that) I liked it a lot, even though it did not get the attention it deserves. I laughted, got upset and cried, the two leads are perfect. ^_^
@110 langdon813
LOL! Thanks for your funny story…and they say women are unpredictable! I’m wondering if your husband woke up with any recollection of his nocturnal outburst!
@ 104 Nom_Kitteh, 105 Alodia, 106 A., 107 CrimemasterGogo, 109 omo
Another reason why City Hall may appeal more to the 20+ group is the pacing of the romance development in the story. The love aspect in most other dramas usually starts very early on or is hinted from day one. This is a way to ensure rating and engage audience’s attention.
CH is a story about two people of entirely different background and outlook meeting their match in the most unlikely person in the most unlikely place. There is this very long ambiguity period that we audience are guessing ‘is he or is he not’, and one of the most intriquing question for this drama is when Jo Guk falls for Mirae. You can feel it in a moment but it vanishes in the next. I think the scriptwriter has deliberately to pace it out for us to see “a romantic relationship gradually mature right in front of our eyes in ways which are believable yet magical” – just to quote Nom_Kitteh’s perfect description.
We have to wait till the end of Ep 12 to have some confirmation of this love and Ep 14 to have the first kiss. However, the ’slow’ pacing to bring this impossible love to the fore is what makes us audience feel so breathless in the second half of the drama.
It is no fast food drama but a full course meal with entree, main course and desert (and how sweet is that desert)!
@117, birdscout
Absolutely no recollection of it and complete denial that it even happened! As if I could have made that up, right?? Still cracks me up.
Wanted to add a thank you to the patient subber of My Perfect Sons – Sons of Sol Pharmacy! Cos of you, we still manage to follow the travails of the four boys, albeit we’re now in the troughs of despair (ep 12).
To Sarah, life sans internet is liberating, but also a tad less fun. I like my books and my music, but I likes them downloads too!
On my way back from Maryland today, we stopped by NJ and picked up some korean food and I got my hair cut at Sook Hui in Pallisades Park again. But my regular stylist Annie was not there, and so I felt a little weird getting my hair cut someone else. She was really good too though (Nikki). Now there are two stylists that I trust. However, the way that Annie cuts my hair and the way that Nikki cuts my hair is a little different. I have a slightly shorter cut now, more of a Jogooki kind of cut rather than a Binnie style. LOL. Totally random and happenstance. I am still a SunBin hopeful, so let’s not read too much into a hair cut….
Speaking of haircuts (waves to newly-shorn Samsooki)!
Started watching Friend, Our Legend tonight, first two eps. I posted in the recent Hyun Bin/Friends comparison thread earlier but I’m wondering what people think so far?
No spoilers here guys, no worries! Just a statement that I think this may end up being the darkest, most violent drama I’ve seen to date. From the very beginning there’s an underlying feeling of unease and tension that never lets up, even (and maybe more so) in the flashback scenes. I’m sort of glad to be watching this almost from the beginning. Watching one or two hours per week may be the way to go with this one, just to keep from getting too depressed. I didn’t see the film, so I don’t have any idea what’s going to happen.
Sounds to me like the perfect excuse to also watch something with Lee Minki in it, not that I need an excuse!
I also finished Who Are You today and thought it was really good. Yoon Kye Sang’s character in Triple was kind of annoying me, but after seeing him in this I feel much more inclined to cut him some slack.
Hmm, the topic of hairstyles is tres innnneresting, I feel compelled to share. I am unashamed to admit that I am superificial therefore constantly trying to dress and re-dress my husband. I have since day 1 of dating started and now have completed overhauling his wardrobe. Every shirt, suit and tie is my selection, but I have discovered that I am consciously trying to dress him ala my k-drama male lead standards. Now Jo Gook’s entire wardrobe his my holy grail (we’re both lawyers, so the politician look would work for hubby). Every casual and professional outfit was masculine, tailored perfectly, and just plain looked great. But I concede that it was because the wearer was Cha Seung Won, all male model, uber-tall hotness. So hubby clearly is not cut from the same physique, so I shall refrain from redressing him in the Gookie fashion. But I am still convinced he can cut his hair like Binnie in MNIKSS. But after hubby once caught an episode of the holy trifecta of insane Korean drama male character dressing that is “Goong”, he has decreed that if I ever dress him like a k-drama character he will refuse to leave the house. I need him to watch City Hall to understand that Goong, BBF and its teeny bopper creations are just for the young uns. And really I adore the mature k-drama lead dressings of JG in City Hall or So Ji Sup in the otherwise abominable drama that was Cain and Abel.
Okay, superficial sharing over. I have also been admonished by hubby to dress more like a corporate lawyer that I am instead of like YEH’s character in Goong. Hilarity ensues when I show up to work.
I just finish City Hall and OMG what a one of a kind proposal! LOVE IT! This is one of the best drama I have seen in a really really long time. The chemistry between the two main leads are out of this world. You absolutely feel their pain, love, laughter, happiness and saddness.
CITY HALL IS A MUST WATCH KDRAMA! Kudos to the scriptwriters, directors, cast and crew, What an excellent job they all did.
@123 ockoala – hahaha!!! YEH in Goong had such cute clothes tho!!! I would totally dress like that if I had her figure..or the money haha.
Can you guys stand yet another post about City Hall? I accept any and all eggs and tomatoes you may wish to throw at me, but…
It took me a while to figure it out, but now I know EXACTLY what this feels like. It’s like when you’re first going through a really bad breakup (that you didn’t want) with someone you’re completely in love with, and all you can do is sit in your pj’s and eat junk food while looking at pictures of the two of you together. rereading all of the old love letters, reminiscing about the great times you had together; crying to anyone who will listen (and to some who won’t, but you force them to anyway) about how wonderful it all was and why can’t I have it back…
And you have all of these other choices in front of you but somehow none of them is appealing, because they’re not THAT one.
Sigh….
@langdon, that’s exactly how i’m feeling right now! You really nailed it. But how long this feeling will go away? The only cure I can think of is for SBS to make season 2.
@126 langdon813 and @127 mzpakipot
The City Hall withdrawal leaves one listless and lethargic, now that all the laughter, anticipation and gut-wrenching emotions have reached it amazing conclusion. I second a season 2, but wonder as always whether it can ever match up (similarly, how any future drama can match up). Anyways, if Javabeans had a City Hall sending off open thread, then we can all converge there instead of probably annoying some folks with our incessant devotion to all things CH. Until then, non-City Hallers, please do understand and have some patience with our CH love, check it out and you will surely understand. I re-watched a few episode of MNIKSS, and while KSA is a great actress, her chemistry with Hyun Bin pales in comparison to with CSW, sigh, what a man’s man. And she is such a sexy lady, hubby commented that she does not look like a starved, bug-eyed animatronic doll like so many k-idols.
@126 langdon813, 127 mzpakipot and 128 ockoala
Ditto! You gals have words from my mouth. I NEVER have withdrawal this bad……
@ 126 langdon813
@ 127 mzpakipot
@ 128 ockoala
@ 129 epyc
Guess what? Suddenly I don’t feel so alone anymore. It feels so good to know there are people out there who understand and I can commiserate with.
@ 126 langdon813
@ 127 mzpakipot
@ 128 ockoala
@ 129 epyc
@130 omo
You guys remember what Jo Gook said to Mi Rae, at the end, before he had to take a business trip? He told her to hold on, remember?
Just hold on for a little bit longer. =)
@131, Samsooki
Believe me, I’m holding on! I know there’s something great to look forward to and I AM HOLDING ON….
I feel like I’ve been on a lot of blind dates since last week. I’ve gone out with Friend, Triple, The Man Who Can’t Marry, and Partner. And there’s nothing really wrong with any of them, they all have some great qualities but…oh, never mind. You guys know what I mean.
@126 langdon813
127 mzpakipot
128 ockoala
129 epyc
130 omo
131 Samsooki
132 langdon813
I have NEVER been this sad with a drama ended. Now I know it’s not just a drama but a LOVE. Thank God you guys can phrase it into words that make me realize this. And so I don’t want this break-up… oh what to do…..but visit you all to feel better. It’s like after a break-up you have to cry over it with…..:)
guys add me to the list of folks suffering from withdrawal.
However, there is a silver lining for me since I am one of those who treats depression by keeping busy. I am finally being productive on the work front after three weeks of watching CH and reading everything about CH on Soompi. Maybe its better there isn’t anymore to watch or something as good to watch or else I’d be in the doghouse with both work and personal life.
I did watch CSW on family outing last night as a special treat for catching up with all my work and I have to say he talks just like JG and like JG he is authoritative, capable, competitive and a good cook.
@126 langdon813
127 mzpakipot
129 epyc
130 omo
131 Samsooki
132 langdon813
134 nycgrl
I find myself grinning like a fool during the day when a cute moment from CH pops into my mind, and humming the OST songs when I should be thinking of “very important work matters.” But this is the best withdrawal group ever! And every new comment just brightens my day, knowing that you all are out there, missing the CH family with me, and spamming for any new dribble about CH to share and savor.
@126 langdon813
127 mzpakipot
129 epyc
130 omo
131 Samsooki
132 langdon813
134 nycgrl
135 ockoala
Finishing City Hall is like graduating from Harvard, MIT, Yale, Cambridge, Oxford. I don’t feel like starting a new drama because I’m afraid of going back to kindergarten or high school.
Morning all!
I had a little breakthrough last night. I’ve now watched 3 eps of The Man Who Can’t Get Married and I have to say, it really made me laugh a LOT, especially Ep 3. Kim So-eun is so cute!
Plus, I find myself missing Triple and wishing it would hurry up and come back on, so things are definitely looking up. Maybe a couple of these blind dates might actually go somewhere!
I’m not able to bring myself to keep watching Friend. I’m not giving up on it by any means, but right now I’m definitely in the mood for something on the happier side. I will say this, even a non-Korean speaking person such as myself notices how tough that accent is to follow. I may not understand the language but I do recognize the same words when I hear them, and this definitely sounds like something I’ve never heard before.
Happy Thursday!
Wow, all you posters have gotten me mighty excited about City Hall! I would never have thought of it as anything great – as even one among priorities in my list – without you guys!
Unfortunately I can’t start watching it immediately because I’ve just taken up something and there are 22 more episodes of that *sigh*. I find myself unwilling to watch several dramas at a time – the emotional investment would be unwhole. Maybe I dedicate too much, but I want to watch something good and watch it properly, with concentration and feeling… I doubt I’m alone in that.