There’s something to be said for a drama that ends just the way you expected but manages to be satisfying just the same. Which doesn’t mean it was flawless (and I’ll discuss that later) but for the most part, I ended this series with a satisfied sigh. Despite having a second season planned for later this year, we get a nice wrap-up for the characters and a general sense of well-being for their future.

SONG OF THE DAY

Sweet Sorrow - “예뻐요” (You’re beautiful) [ Download ]

 
THE LAST SCANDAL OF MY LIFE Episode 16 (Final) >>

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As I’ve said in practically every recap, I’ve really enjoyed Last Scandal. Now that we’re almost at the end, I don’t feel it would ruin anything to say that I found the ending satisfying and happy, which are the only two components (or, practically the only two) that I absolutely require in a romantic comedy.

However, that isn’t to say that the series is perfect, and every drama has its little blips here and there. There have been a few of those in Last Scandal that haven’t bothered me because the rest of the drama was so enjoyable, but Episode 15 is the first time I felt an actual sense of disappointment. I still found it very good, however, so without further ado…

SONG OF THE DAY

8eight - “I Love You” [ Download ]

 
THE LAST SCANDAL OF MY LIFE Episode 15 >>

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Some good news, and some potentially worrying.

MBC’s hit “ajumma Cinderella” drama The Last Scandal of My Life has been officially confirmed for a second season, to air on Wednesdays and Thursdays (moving from family-friendly weekends to prime trendy-drama territory) in October.

Not one to mess with a good thing, the production is keeping their talent pool intact, bringing back director Lee Tae Goon, writer Moon Hee Jung, and the two stars Choi Jin Shil and Jung Jun Ho. They’ve discussed the possibility of following this with seasons 3 and 4 (going for a more long-running, American serial feel, perhaps) if the second season proves to be a hit; the target ratings number given is 25%.

However — and this is what troubles me — apparently the characters’ occupations and situations are all undergoing a “change,” although the nature of those changes hasn’t been specified. Oh, please don’t muck this up, MBC.

Via MagazineT

SONG OF THE DAY

Hooligan - “기적” (Miracle) [ Download ]

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Like I said, Episode 13 marked the darkest point in the series, which in the big picture isn’t even terribly dark, but it did sink Last Scandal into a pensive mood for an episode. But the producers certainly know where their success lies, and are quick to inject some humor and levity back into the storyline once the characters have some time to react to the issues of the previous installment.

SONG OF THE DAY

Lee Seung Chul - “안녕이라고 말하지마” (Don’t say goodbye). There’s something about Last Scandal that makes me nostalgic for old-school kpop music, which is probably because I first heard of Choi Jin Shil around the time I encountered K-pop culture as a kid. Lee Seung Chul is one of the all-time greats, writing, composing and performing live when most kpop was manufactured and processed and lip-synched (well, I guess some things don’t really change). Anyway, I love this song and its simple lyrics, which start, “Don’t make a sound, our love will fly away / Don’t move, our love will weaken / Don’t say a word, our love will be overheard / Don’t come near, our love will move farther away,” and continues in that vein. [ Download ]

 
THE LAST SCANDAL OF MY LIFE Episode 14 >>

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Episode 13 is probably the most serious episode of the series, and perhaps appropriately so given the subject of the current plot. It continues some of the relationship reversals begun in the previous episode and we have some more solid acting all around (although I think Byun Jung Soo as Na Yoon is a marked cut below the others). And thankfully, although the gravity of the situation is a necessary development, the drama doesn’t remain mired in gloom for too long.

SONG OF THE DAY

Lee Eun Mi - “사랑하다는 말” (Saying I love you) [ Download ]

 
THE LAST SCANDAL OF MY LIFE Episode 13 >>

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I love that picture of Dong Hwa. He’s so reserved most of the time that it’s particularly notable when he’s smiling, or expressing an emotion stronger than mild approval or mild distaste. I guess now that Jae Bin has spent the past episode imitating his brother, now it’s Dong Hwa’s turn to display some Jae Bin-like behavior.

SONG OF THE DAY

Choi Jin Yi (of Rumble Fish) with Lee Su - “Requiem” [ Download ]

 
THE LAST SCANDAL OF MY LIFE Episode 12 >>

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