Lim Ji Yeon's "The Tale of Lady Ok" Reached 9.5% Nationwide Viewership Ratings with Episode 8 | Their Highest Record to Date

Episode 8 of The Tale of Lady Ok achieved a personal best record of 9.5% in the nationwide viewership ratings. It's so close to achieving double digits!! The show is actually really good and I'm happy that it's doing well locally (SK). This drama's run actually reminds me of Captivating the King. It has a good storyline with impressive cast, it's doing well locally but a little quiet reception from the international kdrama viewers. The drama is fighting in the Netflix top 10 tv series in my country though. So much alike of what had happened before to Captivating the King too. 

Here's a short recap and review for episode 8:

Due to Taeyoung's chosen profession of being a Legal Advocate, she inevitably gained a lot of enemies. Lady Song from the Baek family is one of them. Due to her toxic and obsessive mindset about the disparity of nobles and slaves, she has put her family in danger most especially her own son. If you could remember Baek Yi's case from the early episodes of this show, the young master took the blame of Baek Yi's death even though it was actually his mother who was the real mastermind of everything that happened to Baek Yi. So years after getting their punishment, Lady Song's husband and son (the young master) both died. And so she's enraged and became devoted to avenge their death against Taeyoung using her own daughter, Miryeong. 

Miryeong was manipulated by her own mother, Lady Song, that it was all Taeyoung's fault for the death of her brother and father. This became her driving force to deceive and take revenge against Taeyoung. She approached Do Gyum and got married with him with the thought of revenge at first but later, she found out about the real truth from Taeyoung. This ended her being manipulated by her own mother's delusions and lies. In the end, Miryeong became truly devoted to Taeyoung as well as her husband Do Gyum after coming clean and apologizing to Taeyoung. 

Yoon Gyum, on the other hand, is slowly becoming one of my hated characters of the show. TBH, I liked him in the early episodes due to his mission but now I no longer know what he's really fighting for. I do get it that he may not be informed about the real situation of what his family had gone through throughout the years but seriously, everything started from him. He should've been curious as to how it affected his family's lives because of his selfishness. Yep, I call it now selfishness because that's how I see him now. He's only thinking about his own survival, not thinking about his wife and most especially his little brother. Sigh. He's asking for everyone to understand him and the likes of him but he's not even trying to understand those people around him.

Seung Hwi and Taeyoung reunited again after Taeyoung fought and won a case for Seung Hwi. Obviously, they both still love each other and were holding back their feelings because of the situation Gudeok was in. But I hope, a time will come that the both of them will be free to express their love for each other. 

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%

Kim Hee Sun's Bitter Sweet Hell Ends with a 5.5% Nationwide Viewership Ratings | Episode 12 Review

Bitter Sweet Hell finally ended with 5.5% in the viewership ratings and even though it didn't reach the double digits, this drama is worth it to watch. Episode 12, finale, Se Na chose to end her life with the fire that she herself started. With the help of No Yeong Won's family, they were able to find Do Hyun's hideout and saved him from Se Na's plan of explosion. When Se Na, pressed her control to explode the hideout of Do Hyun, Yeong Won was devastated but thankfully, Jae Jin was there to tell her that Do Hyun was already saved. Yeong Won escaped the fire with Jae Jin's help but Se Na chose to stay and get burned by fire. This ending is indeed cruel but a bit unsatisfying for me, tbh. I mean, she did so many things to harass Yeong Won and her family and that's how she'll just end? I was hoping that she'll get caught and live her whole life in prison. That would have been the best punishment for a narcissistic person like her. She's nuts!

Anyways, since we only got 12 episodes, I think that's the better ending that the writer could've think of. Still, the drama was exceptionally done as the actors were so good at conveying the message of the story. Se Na was the root of all the secrets being out in the open for No Yeong Won's family. It's true that it was still a harassment but if it weren't for her, everyone in the family would live in lies forever. Isn't it more scary to live with people who you don't know well? And still call them a family? This is much better now that everything is out in the open, only then that they will live a happy life. 

I really love the ending. The whole family were separated but still has a bond that nobody can break. Hong Sa Gang left their home and lived in the woods with her trusted companion. She's still working as a novelist and had her latest work published called 'Bitter Sweet Hell', yep, it's their story made into a book.  Do Hyun on the other hand is now living abroad with his classmate and boyfriend. Jae Jin and Yeong Won may still be married but they decided not to commit their lives to each other. Now, they are choosing the life they wished to live for a long time. Jae Jin's license to practice as a doctor got revoked while Yeong Won still worked as a doctor but to counsel people in prison. There, she wanted to help and save those who are having mental health problems like Oh Tae Hwan or also known as Moon Tae Oh. Lastly, Dr. Oh became a changed person all thanks to her confrontation with Hong Sa Gang. They got reconciled and became a family that Dr. Oh had ever wanted. Dr. Oh is still with the kind detective and that's really splendid!

Overall the drama was good! Will I recommend it? Definitely YES!

Kim Hee Sun Retaliates Yeon Woo's Plans by Revealing Her Identity to the Public in Bittersweet Hell Episode 11

Moon Tae Oh, who's real name is Oh Tae Hwan, was finally arrested in the residence of No Yeong Won. No Yeong Won purposely lured Tae Oh with Do Hyun for the police to capture him successfully. Thanks to Jae Jin, Young Min and his friend Sung Jae, they were able to stop Tae Oh from escaping the residence after losing his temper at Yeong Won for revealing the truth about his identity. 

Just like Se Na, Tae Oh holds a grudge towards Yeong Won because he blames her for his family's death. After Tae Oh's mother received counselling from Yeong Won, Tae Oh's mother wanted to eliminate her husband for being the root cause of the family's difficulty. However, her plans failed and ended up being killed by the husband instead. Tae Oh witnessed the death of his family before his eyes as his father all family member's lives except from him. He was awake the whole time and it's the reason why he was able to escape and become the sole survivor of the family. Seems like the father took his own life too. 

Se Na and Tae Oh become accomplices in taking revenge towards No Yeong Won. Tae Oh was made to gaslight Do Hyun by Se Na, it was all going smoothly but not until Do Hyun confessed his sexuality to his mom.  This means, Tae Oh no longer has something to hold against Do Hyun and he failed miserably with his mission. With that, Se Na took action and planned to make Yeong Won become the suspect in killing An Yo Sub in their rest house. However Tae Oh made a move that Se Na wasn't aware of and that leads her plans crumbling. Se Na was angered by it and the reason why he framed up Tae Oh for killing Yo Sub instead. Yep, she put all the blame at Tae Oh and make him become the real suspect. With Tae Oh arrested, the novelist Hong Sa Gang got free from the prison. 

Se Na made another plan and continues to make Yeong Won miserable. This time she gaslighted Oh Ji Eun to reveal the truth about Jae Jin's ghost doctor case. The public knew about it and Se Na made Yeong Won do press conference and read aloud the script she has prepared for her. At first, that's what Yeong Won did, she read the script aloud only to reveal that it was made by Se Na who was threatening her for a long time now. Yeong Won made it public about Se Na's evil doings and that's how she fights now with her. The whole world is now helping Yeong Won capture her and it made Se Na even more challenged in making Yeong Won's life miserable. And so, Se Na captured Yeong Won's only child Do Hyun as her hostage to hold against her. 

Sheesh! We're near the end now! Only 1 episode left!!! I'm excited for it and hopeful that we'll receive a satisfying and best ending. 

Kim Hee Seon and Lee Hye Young Face Yeon Woo in Bitter Sweet Hell Episodes 1-10 | Quick Review

Bitter Sweet Hell revolves around the life of No Yeong Won (Kim Hee Seon) who is a psychology consultant that's running a television program. The said tv program discusses about different family issues wherein Yeong Won professionally and confidently gives advice to resolve the family issues raised. Because of this, Dr. No attracted psychopaths who wanted to prove her wrong. They were challenged to make her realize that her advices do not apply to everyone and they convey this disagreement to her in a destructible way. 

Lee Se Na (Yeon Woo) is a psychopath young lady who's targeting No Yeong Won and her family. She first introduced herself at Yeong Won's clinic as a patient who's in a complicated relationship with a man older than her. When Yeong Won's father-in-law died and Se Na was crying at his funeral, Yeong Won instantly believed that Se Na was another mistress of her father-in-law. The attack to Dr. No and her family begun when she received a package from an anonymous sender. It contains a fake beheaded pigeon and a photo of Dr. No's family members with numbers indicating the order of their lies to be revealed.

Warning, spoiler ahead!!

1st was the father-in-law, Go Myeon (Kwon Hae Hyo). His dirty secret was revealed by Se Na and it was about a past incident involving No Yeong Won's father. It turned out that the father in law was the one who framed Yeong Won's father to become an offender in a sexual harassment case which leads for her dad to suicide.

2nd target of Se Na was Dr. No's husband. She first introduced herself to him as a patient to his clinic too and instantly asked for a dinner. It turns out later in the drama, Se Na gaslighted Jae Jin and make him fake a death to escape his suffocating family. His secret was that, he is a doctor that's afraid of bloods which means he has a ghost doctor to do surgeries for him. 

3rd was the mom-in-law, Hong Sa Gang (Lee Hye Young). She's a writer of books which themes are about crime. Se Na's ideas in threatening and killing people are based on her books. Sa Gang may seem like a witch that's controlling of everything but she's a woman that only wants to protect her family. Her secret was that Jae Jin wasn't her biological child. Jae Jin was a baby from the mistress of the father-in-law. Yep, he's a disgusting womanizer. ew.

4th is Dr. No's child, Do Hyun (Jae Chan). He was being gaslighted by another psychopath named Moon Tae Oh. Turns out that Tae Oh was recruited by Se Na to take revenge against Dr. No's family. His secret was that he's gay. 

5th one would be No Yeong Won. The secret is yet to be revealed in the last 2 episodes of this drama. Waaah!

Yep, there are only 2 episode left! About time it ends because I'm already stressed with the turn of events in here especially towards Se Na and Tae Oh.. They make my blood boil in anger! They needed to be stopped and get punished by law.