"Light Shop" Quick Review | HIGHLY RECOMMENDED K-drama

The last 2 episodes of Disney+ series Light Shop dropped last night and I dove right into it. I was confident that it won't be as scary as the first 4 episodes of this series that's why I was brave enough to watch it at night. lol Anyway, this series is really excellent. It started to scare the hell out of me in the first half and in the second half, it tugged my heartstrings. When they delved into the 'strangers' story as to how they ended up in the dark tunnel (which we later found out to be the afterlife), I couldn't stop crying or pity those poor souls.

Basically, the concept of this drama is that the souls of those who are dead and are in coma loiters around the dark tunnel. The dead souls needed to forget their life in the living world including their loved ones in order to move on a peaceful life in the afterlife. If not, they will become ghosts lingering in the living world. On the other hand, the souls of the ones who are in coma needed to find their light in the light shop in order to come back in the living world. However, there's a twist. When they begun to loiter around the dark tunnel, they do not know exactly the difference yet of the space and time. They first needed to acknowledge that their life doesn't belong in the dark tunnel and that they should have the will to take their light (life) back. The Light Shop basically keep the lights of these poor souls and that it's up to them whether they would take it back, leave it be or destroy it. 

It's crazy to think that the characters that scared me the most in the story also turned out to be the ones who have a tragic love story to tell. For example, Jiyoung (Seol Hyun) and Hye Won (Kim Sun Hwa). Jiyoung in the living world was deaf and mute, she's in love and in a relationship with Hyunmin (Um Tae Goo). However, Hyunmin's mom didn't want Jiyoung for her son. Even before the accident, she's already telling Jiyoung to stay away from her son. What's worst with this mom is that, she texted Jiyoung that Hyunmin's already dead when he's in coma. Jiyoung took the text message seriously and was heartbroken and so she took her own life to follow her lover. While she was in the process of taking her own life, the dad of Hyunmin corrected his wife's text messages and told Jiyoung that Hyunmin is still alive. However, it was already too late. Now, in the dark tunnel (afterlife), Hyunmin cannot remember Jiyoung at all which is why he couldn't point out the difference of his environment. Jiyoung served as Hyunmin's will to live, she urged him to find his light to return back to life as well. Too bad, when Hyunmin found his light and returned to the living world, he couldn't remember Jiyoung at all. Jiyoung then took it negatively, never found peace in the afterlife and became a resentful ghost in the living world.

On the other hand, the story of Hyewon and Sun Hae (Kim Min Ha) has a different ending. Hyewon and Sun Hae are lesbian couple with huge age gap and because of that, they have lived a life where there are always judging eyes following them. They were looking for a place to stay before the accident happened and Sunhae got really bothered with the realty agent's comment about them being a mother and daughter. It led to an intense argument, so when the accident happened, both of them spoke harsh words at each other. Hyewon died protecting Sun Hae from the accident and even in the afterworld, it's her who insisted for Sun Hae to get her light. Sun Hae listened to Hyewon in the end but unfortunately, when Sun Hae took a hold of her light, she intentionally dropped it on the floor to break. She told the Light Shop keeper that she wanted a place where she and her lover could live together and so she resorted that the afterlife is that place for them. Aww... 

There are so many touching stories infused in the story, there's also the mom and daughter story and more! Beautiful and tearjerking backstories that I almost forget it's horror series. (genre: Horror and Mystery) If you haven't watched the series, I suggest you do. It's thought provoking, terrifying and a very touching series. I didn't expect anything from this series at all when I started watching it and boy, I'm blown away how it's nicely done. Perfect horror story for me. It's now part of my HIGHLY RECOMMENDED kdrama of all time. 

The Reason Why I'm Watching "Iron Family" | Short Review (Kim Jung Hyun, Keum Saerok, Choi Taejoon and more!)

It's been a while since I've seen myself this patient watching a 16+ episode Kdrama. 36 episodes clearly is a task to finish unless it's a great series. Iron Family is not the best of the bests out there, and probably not everyone would like it, but it's intriguing enough for me to stay and continue watching the next 2 episode every week. I'm not gonna lie though, with this much episode, the phasing of events is really slow but to be fair, it's a family drama which means it revolves not only on the main family characters of the show but also its extended relatives/connections too. It's meant to be that way, so if you do not have the patience then I don't think you can ever get into it up to the finale. I'm not gonna blame anyone at all if they cannot put up with it, I mean 36 episodes in total?? I'd tap out as well if it weren't because of Kim Jung Hyun.

I'm not his biggest fan, as I don't like the controversy he was once involved with his attitude problem before with SNSD's Seohyun, but I cannot deny the fact that he's really good at acting. It was Mr. Queen that first made me like him. Anyway, let me tell you a little bit about the story because I now remember the other reason why I continued on watching this and it was Darim's poor eyesight. Somehow I could relate to that. lol 

Lee Darim (Keum Saerok) is a daughter of a lady who runs a small dry cleaners shop and she suffers from a poor eye sight, she's losing vision as she grows older leading to blindness. The only hope for her to get back her vision is to get 2 shots of injectable medicine on her eyes that costs 400,000 dollars each, a total of 800,000 dollars is needed. If she does not undergo surgery at a short given time, she'll completely loss her vision for the rest of her life. Seo Gang Ju (Kim Jung Hyun), on the other hand, is a son of a wealthy family in their neighborhood. His mom is the heiress of a loan shark and his step dad runs a fashion company. He works as the director in his step-dad's company. 

Gang Ju and Darim had a one night stand and they reunited after 8 years again. Darim's eyesight came back because her grandparents and mom took Gang Ju's mom's inheritance m0ney that got stolen and buried in the mountains by thieves. They do not know who the money really belonged to but still took it home to spend for their needs including Darim's eye surgery. And from there, the story became complicated and now everyone's looking for the money. 

Despite the quiet response from international fans, the drama is actually doing really great locally. Their viewership ratings nationwide varies from 14-17% only. So far, their highest to date is 17.8% achieved with episode 16. As of writing, there are already 24 episodes left and there are 12 more episodes to go! Whew! Good luck to me. 

Choo Yeong Woo Sets Out on a Journey Alone, Leaving Lim Ji Yeon Behind in "The Tale of Lady Ok" Episode 4

Sung Yoon Geum learned about Ok Tae Young's real identity as Gudeok and in return, he revealed his secret as well to her. He's a man that cannot embrace a woman and even with this he proposes marriage to Tae Young and promised to protect each other's secrets. With that, their marriage proceeded and there, Cheon Seung Hwi (the story teller) found out that Gudeok's groom shares the same identical face as him. This instantly became the saving grace of Yoon Geum later in the show though.

One of the villains, Lee Chung Il, commenced a mining with workers composed of young slaves to get him gold in the mountains. Afraid that he might get caught doing this illegal mining, he had to stop the magistrate from doing raid in the mountains by discovering and revealing about the Devoted Hearts Organization. This secret organization helps those children who are considered an outcast during that period of time. It turned out that this secret organization's leader and founder was none other than Sung Yoon Geum. His mission was to rescue and protect those people who are like him (yes, in a much understandable word, he's homosexual). During this period of time that they're living in, homosexuals aren't accepted even if they're born nobles which is why Yoon Geum trained the people he rescued some self defense to fight for themselves against oppressors. However, Lee Chung Il identified them as rebels quickly and caused turmoil in their country which led to the magistrate losing his position. Something that made Lee Chung Il victorious. 

Every member of this secret group has a Chinese character of heart stamped on their shoulder, therefore Yoon Geum has this mark. The only reason he survived the search was because Seung Hwi helped him by switching with him before showing his shoulder to the military. And once Yoon Geum survived, he went out on a journey alone, living his father and Gudeok behind. 

I honestly feel bad for Gudeok here, he has no one to turn to again. Magistrate is out of office and her husband has to hide from their country. I guess, only this way, she'll be able to reunite with her first love, Cheon Seung Hwi and be together this time. Seeing the preview for the next episode, it seemed like Gudeok will once again have to return as a slave as she goes on a journey with the story teller until her husband return to their land. 

The Tale of Lady Ok Reached All Time High Personal Record of 7.8% Nationwide Viewership Ratings with Episode 3

My cravings for historical kdrama lately has finally ended when Lim Ji Yeon's The Tale of Lady Ok has begun airing. This drama started Nov. 30 and as of writing, it already has 3 episodes available. Tbh, just watching the first 2 episodes, I'm already captured by it. There's really something about historical dramas that captivates me especially when the story is well written. Well, a historical drama + well written script is perfection to me. I always love it when historical characters, may it be royalties, nobles or slaves, I'm fascinated by how they live their lives, outsmart their enemies and speak eloquently. A lot of people may be bored with this type of drama especially when there are lots of words being thrown here and there, but if the script is well written and conveyed in a convincing way.... there's no way I'm gonna be bored with it. This is why I loved Captivating the King before too. Not much people or kdrama fan pages talked about it, but I did. Because it's just perfection, it served exactly what I wanted in a historical Kdrama. And that's what exactly is being served to me too in The Tale of Lady Ok. 

Anyway, Gudeok is a slave whose master is the daughter of Kim Nak Su. She witnessed how cruel these nobles treated them like animals. Her mom died because she got sick and was thrown out of the house instead of giving her medicine. Gudeok worked very hard to save up money outside the Kim's house to fulfill her dream to reside by the sea with her father. Working outside was prohibited by the Kims so when Gudeok worked for Song Seo In/ Cheon Seung Hwi's kitchen, So Hye tasted the food served to be very familiar. And that's how Gudeok got busted by her master. Unfortunatly she was found at So Hye's husband-to-be's room which caused outrage from So Hye (the Kims' daughter/Gudeok's master). 

Gudeok ran away with her dad from the Kim's outrage and cruelty but got separated for years. Gudeok worked at the inn and there she met the Lady Ok Tae Young. A noble woman who treats slaves as equal. A wonderful woman who aspires to be a local advocate to serve people equally. Tae Young became friends with Gudeok and even took her as a family (adopted sister). But due to the bandits attack to the inn, Tae Young and her father died which left Gudeok as the only survivor. So one day, when Gudeok opened her eyes, she was found by Tae Young's grandma and there she lived as the new Lady Ok Tae Young. 

After many years that passed by, in episode 3, Gudeok who's living now as Ok Tae Young sees her master again. Waaaaah! That bitch needs to learn her lesson and hopefully Gudeok will be the one to do that. Only if she won't get busted though! 

Nationwide Viewership Ratings:

Episode 1: 4.2%

Episode 2: 6.8%

Episode 3: 7.8%

Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin Signs A Contract Marriage in "The Trunk" Series

Viewers who are disliking this series just because they can't handle the love scenes are understandable but to generalize this as an awful project for that particular reason is unacceptable. Well, yes, probably this series ain't suitable for younger ages and tastes of the viewers but there are definitely those who are like me who enjoys this kind of stuff. I think the love scenes are there for a vital reason, it cannot be left just for the imagination of the viewers. It actually stresses out how twisted the minds of certain characters who use sex to cope up with difficult situations, like for example, the character of Seo Yeon (Jung Yun Ha). She always sorts to having sex with her partner but it does not resolve any of her main problems at all. There's one scene also where In Ji (Seo Hyun Jin) has this dream about her and Jeong Won (Gong Yoo) having sex too. But people, this ain't all about that! Like I said in my previous Facebook post, it is dark but has depth kind of series. Only those who are curious and patient to understand the characters and their stories would be able to enjoy this one. It fits for those mature audiences. 

Anyway, I absolutely love this. I think it really was fantastic and the casting was stellar! It wasn't only Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin who carried the whole show, it was actually every character in it. Actress Jung Yun Ha did a spectacular job in acting out her character Seo Yeon. To do those love scenes surely was a challenge as well as the complexity of her character. She's twisted and I disliked everything about this character throughout the show so I was really surprised to see her realizing her mistakes and overcoming her personal issues in the end. My anger got instantly faded and pity is what I felt for her as well as her NM contract marriage partner, Ji O (Jo Yi Gun), who got jailed for killing Eom Tae Seong (Kim Dong Won). This, too! I was surprised that it was him all along. Glad about it though, I mean, I wouldn't want In Ji or Jeong Won to do that dirty job. 

As for In Ji and Jeong Won, I really love these two. The growth of their characters from first episode to the last was really beautiful. Before, they're overwhelmed by their personal issues that ruined themselves and their respective partners, but once they met and got to know each other, they started to resolve these issues and heal together slowly. When they both got closure from their exes and end things with Eom Tae Seong, they were still emotionally unavailable during that time to start a new genuine relationship with each other. Or at least that's more for In Ji's part. Jeong Won got matured enough to wait until In Ji was ready, something that he wasn't able to do while he's with his ex wife. During the time that they were separated, they grew as an individual person not depending on other people for their happiness. They were able to understand themselves more and heal those scars left by their traumatic experiences in the past. The hope of them reuniting is so huge that I'm not bothered at all that it ended with them chance meeting for the first time again. The universe has its way to make them meet after all, even when they weren't well acquainted before too. 

I'd definitely recommend this drama!!! Watch it, it's really good!

Everybody's Captivated by "When the Phone Rings" with Just Only 2 Episodes!

The new craze is here again and finally kdrama fans are united once again. When was the last time that a Kdrama got you hooked in just watching the first 2 episodes? Probably you barely remember because this scenario is rare! And sometimes, a few of that 'rare' disappoints the viewers along the way too so it turned out to be a huge waste of time. I just really hope that When the Phone Rings is NOT that kind of rare. 

There's been so many Kdramas out there recently but so far, only a few truly captured me and my soul into it from start to finish. It's like, I've been watching just to get by my thirst in Kdramas especially after The Judge from Hell. Thank goodness, When the Phone Rings entered the boring scene and captured many hearts of the viewers for its interesting story and early plot twists served. Who wouldn't get captivated by a cold hearted poker faced husband getting threatened 'anonymously' by his wife via phone? The husband knew that his wife has selective mutism which devoid the possibility of doubting his wife whether it was her at all (at least this early stage of the series). But the question is, until when? The way I see it, Hong Hee Joo (Chae Soo Bin) is so close to losing her mind speaking with her husband Baek Sa Eon (Yoo Yeon Seok) and it would only take time that she'll get discovered real soon. kkk Seriously, she's so emotional and I wouldn't really blame her because I don't think my patience is that long to talk with someone who's a real jerk. 

Anyways, I can't wait to find out more of their backstory. How the bride switching happened and how Sa Eon liked Hee Joo but give her a cold shoulder?  I'm pretty sure there's more to just 'protecting my wife' here for Sa Eon. Also, I'm looking forward how these two would get closer and fall in love together in the end because right now seems impossible for Hee Joo. 

Family by Choice Will Make You Cry Almost Every Episode | Episodes 1-10 Quick Review

Every time I'm watching a new episode of this drama, Family by Choice, there has been no episode that I didn't cry or at least get teary eyed. A lot are saying that the original version, the Chinese version, is far more better than the Korean remake. But since I haven't seen the original one, I'm already contented and enjoying every bits of the Korean remake. I got no complaints at all. The casts were perfect, I can really feel the emotions of each character. 

Personally, I really like Haejun (Bae Hyun Sung) here the most. Even though I watched this with an intent of seeing Hwang In Yeop finally getting his girl in a drama, the character of Hyun Sung really captivated me. I mean, I guess I really like the sporty one instead of the bookworm type of character. kkk 

Both Kim San Ha and Yang Haejun are deep characters. They have a very unfortunate childhood and life in general because of their irresponsible parents. They all have a painful story to tell, however, Haejun's love for Kang Ju Won's dad is just so pure that it melts my heart everytime they're having heart-to-heart conversations. Juwon's Dad (Choi Won Young) is such a softie character as well, he's just warmhearted. Just these two characters alone, make me cry a river already and I just find their connection really beautiful which is probably why Haejun and the dad are very close to my heart more than the other characters. Anyways, we'll see once she became a total lady after San Ha expressed his real feelings for her. 

But of course, I still like Kim San Ha. He's still a cool guy despite his introverted nature. He also possesses a golden heart just like Haejun. But sometimes, it just makes me feel awful how overly kind and pure hearted they really are even to those who wronged them. Drastic example would be Kim San Ha's choice to take care of his selfish mom after abandoning him for 10 years. She literally just came back to get San Ha as her daughter's baby sitter and later due to a car accident, she lost her ability to walk and so San Ha had no choice but to take care of her again just because they're so called 'family'. Sigh. It just infuriates me how San Ha still made this choice. The selfish mom got so unfortunate (probably because she's a meanie in her entire life) and now she had to drag his son into his life after leaving him like a dog on the street when he was a kid. Ugh. 

Anyway, we're already at the adult life of the main characters. Episodes 11-16, we'll witness more of romance to build up around Haejun and San Ha. I'm not really fond of the female characters here more than the male ones but I can probably say that I like Dal. Well, I'm at least rooting for her for Haejun. As for Juwon, she's okay it's just that... she's way too immature for me to like even in her adult years. 

The Judge from Hell Ends with 11.9% Nationwide Viewership Ratings with Episode 14 | Very Enjoyable Kdrama!!

The Judge from Hell has officially ended Saturday night and here I am still thinking about how beautiful it was. The ending was just so satisfying and every characters, may it be main or side, they were all given fair exposure and developments that were necessary to make a perfect closure. The possibility to have season 2, however, is open and it's something for us to look forward if it'll come to materialize in the future. Bael sends a message to Justitia from Lucifer, the king of Hell, that he has an offer of giving Justitia a chance to live as humans if she sends 10 more sinners to Hell. It's something that Bael doesn't want Justitia to choose since he still considers her as his one and only heir. Sometimes I feel bewitched by the thought that Bael has emotions of appreciation for Justitia but I am trying to dispel that thought 'coz Bael is still a demon (not humanized like Justitia to feel emotions at all). I mean, he was so ready to throw Justitia to eternal death before angel Gabriel came to save her. So, I'm definitely bewitched. lol That creature was only living up to his role in the hierarchal structure of heaven and hell though. kkk

Anyway, I still hope Justitia would choose to live as a human so Daon will have the chance to be happy for a long period of time. That man deserves to be happy after all the unfortunate events that he went through. Also, I can't wait to see more of Justitia in action as a demon chasing after the sinners and send them to hell. However, we all know that it'll be more of a challenge now to Justitia because she already has emotions of a human being unlike before. Justitia already knew it, this is going to weigh her down. But for the love she has for Han Daon, she has to keep trying!

Now the final verdict, will I recommend this Kdrama The Judge from Hell? It's an easy YES from me!

I just loved and enjoyed every bits of this drama. The Judge from Hell really gave us that entertaining story and good character developments for both main and side characters. I am gonna miss the whole cast, for sure. 

Dear Hyeri Ends with 3.3% Nationwide Viewership Ratings | It's Over, FINALLY!

I've never been this relieved before that a 12 episode Kdrama ended already. It felt like I was watching a longer one 'coz it had been a drag watching the whole thing after episode 9. To be completely honest, the drama was doing so great until episode 10 happened. I've been very clear that Hyeri is only part of Eun Ho's mental illness, so I didn't really hang on to the idea that Kang Ju Yeon and Hyeri would end up together. Because at the end of the day, this is a healing drama, and so Eun Ho has to heal to completely solve the whole point of the story. However, I didn't expect Eun Ho's treatment to be written in an insane manner. The writer made Eun Ho so dependent on Hyun Oh so much that she cannot heal on her own with the help of psychiatrist. Because the way I see it, if Eun Ho only depends on Hyun Oh throughout the series, it only meant there's a weak to no character development happened to her at all. If I knew this drama promotes and tolerates toxic love, then I wouldn't have started this. Sigh. What a complete waste of time. 

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the actors here, in fact they are all excellent in what they're doing. It's the story that really irks me so much. I can't believe that I successfully avoided The Impossible Heir and Hierarchy this year but I ended up watching Dear Hyeri. Sigh. One of my worst experience in watching a Kdrama, tbh.

The worst episode for me here is 11, btw. After episode 10 ruined everything... I felt nothing at all watching the next episode. I seriously detested the time watching Hyun Oh and Eun Ho being lovey dovey after the storyline made the viewers hate them. Like... are they for real?! It's like they're trying to cover up their mess with something that really caused the mess. lol Also inserting comedic scenes and pointless get togethers in episode 12, saying goodbye to Hyeri when there are only 5 people who got involved with her in the series... it's so ridiculous. The only redeeming part of this whole drama is actually Hyeri's side of characters. (Min Young, Ju Yeon, Hye Yeon and nothing else) I'm honestly more excited to know that there's possibility of Ju Yeon and Hye Yeon being a couple in the future than that marriage of Hyun Ho and Eun Ho.

Anyway, it's time for my verdict... will I recommend this drama? My answer is a big NO. 

Congrats to those who have finished the drama though. We've been through A LOT just by watching this drama. lol

Shin Hye Sun and Kang Hoon Called it Quits in "Dear Hyeri" Episode 11

From 3.5% nationwide viewership ratings in the previous episode, now it's down to 2.7%. This drama seriously has a great potential at the beginning but it was all wasted as it nears end. If I knew this drama would romanticize toxic relationships, I would've not started it. I trusted Shin Hye Sun's choice of project way too much, now because of Dear Hyeri, I think I developed trust issues because of her. 

The way this drama was written was so disappointing that I found it really a huge waste of time. I got to the point that I don't feel anything about the characters anymore aside from Joo Yeon, Hye Yeon, Min Yeong and Shin Jung. At first, I still care about Hyun Oh and Eun Ho but I got drained by how messy this drama became. lol Even the ending scene of episode 11, I don't feel anything at all when Hyun Oh could be dying or anything. I'm not even curious of the finale episode anymore. I'm contemplating right now whether to still watch it or not. Sigh. 

Episode 11 was a complete drag for me to finish. The only thing worth watching here is that they gave Eun Ho and Kang Ju Yeon what they call a 'good breakup' where they ended up in good terms. I'm really happy about that and I found it very beautiful until they decided to pull comedy at the end. Like, are they rubbing on our faces that it was the toxic Hyun Oh who Eun Ho picked? lol Also, the other bits of comedy put into the whole episode, it all felt forced. Seriously, what happened to this drama? The writer messed it up and it's awful. Sheesh, I need to beware of this writer's next project. I don't want to waste more time with his/her new works. 

I know it's just 11th episode, as of now, but I'm gonna conclude this whole thing already coz I might not be able to create another blog post for this drama whether I watch the finale or not anymore. So, will I recommend this drama or not? Definitely NOT!