Dramabeans » IRIS

Kim Tae-hee attempts new challenges with IRIS

javabeans — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:11:40 +0000

I know, I’m not covering IRIS as much as some people probably feel I should, given that it’s ruling its Wednesday-Thursday timeslot and wowing viewers with its action-packed, star-studded storytelling. But what can I say? IRIS is a lot of fun but it leaves me unmoved, so for that reason it gets pushed back to the end (or maybe the middle) of my always-growing to-view pile of dramas.

I did, however, enjoy reading this interview with its star actress Kim Tae-hee, because I always think she’s a curious case for being such an A-list star. She’s known for being highly intelligent and is loved for her cute, girl-next-door appeal, even though it’s also widely acknowledged that her greatest drawback as an actor is her acting. Pretty people getting by on their looks generally annoys me because I always think of how better the drama/movie could have been with a better actor. But in Kim Tae-hee’s case, I can’t even hate her because she’s so baldly frank about her limits, and it’s clear that it bothers her as much as it bothers the rest of us. You’ve kinda gotta respect that.

(Note that the interview came out on Monday, before the two latest episodes of IRIS aired.)

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© javabeans for Dramabeans, 2009. | Permalink | 46 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: interviews, IRIS, Kim Tae-hee

IRIS’s popularity still falls short of expectations

javabeans — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:22:24 +0000

At first, I was a little taken aback at the way the following article frames IRIS’s popularity in terms of disappointment, because it burst onto the scene with a big splash and has maintained a comfortable lead over its competition. But I suppose this all points to where expectations play into a drama’s perceived success (among other factors that are discussed below). This is why a “small drama” like You’re Beautiful is being called a modest success despite its 9%-10% ratings (on account of its mania fanbase, lower budget, and less-famous cast), while IRIS has been performing more than twice as well and still gets mixed reception as not fulfilling its hype.

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Yoo Min joins IRIS as a Japanese spy

javabeans — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:07:58 +0000

IRIS is adding more foreign spies to its roster: this week’s episodes will see the introduction of Yoo Min (aka Fueki Yuko) as a Japanese spy named “Sato Eriko.” The role has Yoo Min playing the agent interrogating Hyun-joon (Lee Byung-heon) after he is arrested in Japan. Recognizing his formidable talents, she entrusts him with a secret mission.

Of her role, Yoo Min said, “I’m extremely happy and thrilled to be greeting Korean viewers again after a long while in such a blockbuster drama with such outstanding actors.”

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IRIS: Episode 2

javabeans — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:11:45 +0000

I’m still not sure how I feel about this drama, and whether I want to recap it through the end. I enjoy watching it, and I will keep watching it, but… I was kind of bored this episode. After a nice beginning, this episode felt like a re-cobbling together of shows I’ve seen before. (I’ve seen Alias, I’ve seen 24.) For all the excitement of the plot — spies, plots, assassins, secret missions — it felt kind of ordinary, in a way. On the upside, it looked great and the plot unfolded smoothly. Which is why I think it’s interesting that I felt let down.

SONG OF THE DAY

IRIS OST – “잊지 말아요” (Don’t Forget) by Baek Ji-young [ Download ]

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Read the rest of IRIS: Episode 2 (4,214 words)

© javabeans for Dramabeans, 2009. | Permalink | 41 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: episode recaps, IRIS, Jung Jun-ho, Kim Seung-woo, Kim Tae-hee, Lee Byung-heon, TOP

Iris bed scene too hot for broadcast television

javabeans — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:46:22 +0000

If you’re following KBS’s spy drama Iris, you’ll know that the romance between main characters played by Lee Byung-heon and Kim Tae-hee, who are fellow spies for the NSS, has been heating up. In particular, this week’s Episode 3 featured a love scene between them, and with spoilers teasing the big moment ahead of time, interest leading up to the episode was high. However, apparently what was shown in the broadcast was not the entirety of what was originally intended. There were concerns for the appropriateness of the content given the drama’s age-15-and-up rating, so in the end parts were edited out.

Fans will get a chance to see the full uncut version, however, albeit on cable. The channel OCN, which has the exclusive rights to re-air the episodes, will feature the scene with additional footage. The moment comes when the two spies steal away to Japan for a low-key vacation together to keep away from the eyes of their colleagues.

OCN will rebroadcast Episodes 3 and 4 on October 24.

Via Sports Chosun

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© javabeans for Dramabeans, 2009. | Permalink | 65 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: IRIS, Kim Tae-hee, Lee Byung-heon

If you thought Iris’s kiss scene was hot… (Spoiler alert)

javabeans — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:28:05 +0000

…then get ready for more romantic developments between two of the drama’s sexy spies. The production has released a new still from this week’s upcoming Episode 3, no doubt to tantalize viewers into tuning in and hoping to break 30% in the ratings in its second week.

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IRIS: Episode 1

javabeans — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:44:53 +0000

Pretty badass, yo.

IRIS is an expensive drama, and it totally shows. I can’t say that the drama took my breath away, but it was very entertaining, and I can see why it burst on the scene with such a strong start. And then improved on it the following day.

I’m not surprised to see a lot of action, but I was a little surprised (in a nice way) to find that the first episode was actually pretty funny. I suspect that may fade as the story heads into more of its spy storylines, but it was a pleasant way to kick off the series — action mixed with beautiful cinematography, well-placed music, and oh yeah, Lee! Byung! Heon!

SONG OF THE DAY

LeeSsang – “Run” [ Download ]

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© javabeans for Dramabeans, 2009. | Permalink | 130 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: episode recaps, IRIS, Jung Jun-ho, Kim Seung-woo, Kim So-yeon, Kim Tae-hee, Lee Byung-heon