[DRAMA REVIEW] ANGEL EYES

By: Maertai Fatma (Chingu) —-> still can’t move on from BBJX

Casts:

Goo Hye-sun as Yoon Soo-wan

Nam Ji-hyeon as young Soo-wan

Lee Sang-Yon as Park Dong-joo / Dylan Park

Kang Haneul as young Dong-joo

Episodes:

20 (Completed)

My ratings: 

4 out of 5 stars

Quick recap of the story:

The drama revolves on the theme of an unforgettable first love.

Yoon Soo-wan lost her sight in an accident which killed her mother and Park Dong-joo’s father, a firefighter that attempted to save her mother but ended in vain. Ever since the accident her father has distanced himself from Soo-wan because she reminded him about her mother. So she is pretty much alone through the time she was growing up. Dong-joo in his teenage years has been an exemplary son, top student in his school and also helps his mother earning for the family since the death of his father years before. Every morning he would deliver porridge to houses around the neighborhood. Soo-wan who practiced her lines for her part-time job in the observatory every morning has caught his attention. He could even recite the lines by heart and of course he has a crush on her.

They actually met for the first time when Dong-joo’s class came to the observatory for a field trip. He was excited to find her there and tried to approach her a couple of times but was ignored completely. He was oblivious to the fact that she is blind since she walks around without a walking stick and took her actions as being not interested. The poor lad was heartbroken but later he bumped on her outside of her house during his morning delivery and discovered her handicap. Seeing that he definitely made up his mind to pursue her.

He tried to expose her to new things in life.Though at the start she relents and told him that he would never understand her since he could see (and he tries to be “blind” by walking around in blinds) but later he was able to convince her that his intention to befriend her is true.

Soo-wan was later introduced to his family and they embraced her warmly. Its fascinating to see how the relationship between Soo-wan and Dong-joo’s mother is developing so quickly. She even calls her Omma (Mother in Korean) though they are not related by blood. Dong-joo’s mother was then injured after been hit by a car early in the morning and she told Dong-joo to give her eyes to Soo-wan in case anything happens, since she knew how much Soo-wan wishes to regain her sight again. Unfortunately, Dong-joo’s mother died due to lethal injection (someone does not want her to expose the identity of the driver who hit her) and Soo-wan got herself a donor. Little she knew that it was her Omma. So the title of the drama I believed refers to Dong-joo’s mother.

Dong-joo was not able to stay until Soo-wan wakes up after her surgery because he needed to go to US for his sister’s treatment. He did left his address but Soo-wan’s father hide it. Why would he do that? Before he tried to “killed” Dong-joo’s mother by removing her oxygen mask for a brief seconds knowing that she wanted to donor her corneas to his daughter. So he felt guilty and blamed himself for her death thus explained him trying to keep Soo-wan away from Dong-joo in any way possible since Soo-wan was so attached to his family.

Soo-wan regained her sights but finds Dong-joo missing. Her father on the other hand found Dong-joo in US and by chance Dong-joo and Soo-wan’s father met each other. Dong-joo looks up to him as a doctor who tried to revive his mother after she coded. Both of them unexpectedly developed affection for each other as a father and son. Dong-joo becomes a doctor thanks to Soo-wan’s father.

12 years later Dong-joo, now known as Dylan Park, returned to Korea just to see Soo-wan again and hoping that their love hasn’t died just yet. However, 12 years is a long time for someone to wait and Soo-wan turned out to be engaged to another man (the neurosurgeon worked in the same hospital as Dong-joo). He was devastated at first but then realized that he just couldn’t do without her. Soo-wan on the other hand took a while to realize that he is Dong-joo because she never really know how he looks like. Dong-joo’s persistence to rekindle their first love has brought them together.

The story reached its climax when Soo-wan discovered that her father attempted to kill Dong-joo’s mother for her sake. No matter how much love both of them have that is the bitter truth that makes Soo-wan gave up on her relationship with Dong-joo. She has so much anger towards her father and blamed him for everything that happens. But blood is thicker than water. No matter how much she hates her father in the end she forgives him and acknowledged that his action was only motivated by her father’s love for her.

Sadly her father died of heart complications. Soo-wan lost her sight again as a result of psychological trauma after her father’s passing. Dong-joo as a faithful lover, stayed by her side and tried his best to nurse her to health. Dealing with depressed person is a tough job but nevertheless Dong-joo sticks by her side night and day. She was finally cured but afterwards decided that both of them should move on without each other.

In the end, Dong-joo being the persistent boyfriend finally get Soo-wan to give up and their love story finally found their happy ending. YAY!

My thoughts on the Leads

Before I watched this drama, I read a lot of fans are shipping the main couple and many have praised Go-Hye sun’s performance as Soo-wan. For me I am most excited for Kim Ha-neul as the young Dong-joo because he is one of my favourite young actors. He was so charismatic in Monstar and The Heirs but my oh my he looks horrendous in this drama. His hair makes him looks like a dork and this dork ain’t cute. He looks super ugly.

The younger versions of the leads are exceptional and makes me want to watch them more and more. Their portrayal of two teens in love are so adorable. I squeals in excitements during their romantic moments. Oh how I love them together.

As for the grown up version, I would like to highlight on Go-Hye sun’s performance. Frankly I have so much prejudice against her and I almost want to ditch this drama off my to-watch list when I saw her name on it. Well good things comes when we are not expecting them. Soo-wan’s character demanded so much from her, ranging from a happy-go-lucky girl to a depressed woman. I give her credit for this plus her kissing scenes with Lee Sang-yoon are swoon-worthy. No more only-touching-lips kinda kiss which is too mild for a couple who are passionately in love and are in their early 30s.

Our male lead, Lee Sang-yoon is my crush thanks to his cute pair of dimples. I first watched him in “The Goddess of Fire” where he acted as the Crown Prince (1st Lead) but in the end he looks like he’s the third wheel. In this drama however he is all the way the 1st lead and I am more than happy to see him as a (tenacious) man in love with his first love.

More than a love story

This drama seems to have a deep message on family and love in general. What makes me love this story is this drama has branched out to put the spotlight on parental love. Both leads have parents who love them the most and it is apparent through their decisions. I have to admit I do have soft spots for parental love. Moreover, this drama also taught that we do not need to be blood related to become a family. Soo-wan and Dong-joo’s mother, Dong-joo and Soo-wan’s father both have bonded and able to love unconditionally. Most of the drama fans would focused on the love story between the two leads but personally I think their parents’ unconditional love have become a major part of the story which I really appreciate.

Why not 5 stars

Well the story has loopholes here and there.

Why would Soo-wan leave a perfect fiance for her first love whom she has not meet for 12 years? Its true that first love is unforgettable but logically it would only remained as memories. But maybe they never really ended their relationships in the first place therefore the flame still there(?). Well a person’s feelings is an enigma. No logical answer would suffice.

Secondly, the supporting casts have too little contribution to the development of the story. Well they are only the supporting acts but the plot is too focused on the leads hence shadowed the stories of other people in the drama. I would like for the villain to have more story rather than pooping out at the very last minute. The guilt was put on Soo-wan’s father for too long it becomes too much to bear (as an audience it kills me since I know he’s not the killer).

Lastly, the second lead is too pathetic because in the end he lost the girl and also his mom (she’s the one injecting the fatal dose to kill Dong Joo’s mom). It turns out that he was the one who hit Dong Joo’s mother but his mom has covered out for him and convinced him that the woman he ran onto is perfectly fine. I mean he’s a sweetheart so he does not deserved this kind of ending. Give him some love juseyyo!!

So as a conclusion, Angel Eyes is a good watch and I definitely recommend this drama for Kdrama lovers out there. Till next time! I leave with this memes (taken from this drama):

REVIEW: BIMIL aka SECRET LOVE

By: Fatma Chingu

TITLE: Bimil (Secret Love)

AIRING: September 25 – November 14, 2013 (WED & THURS SLOT ON KBS)

EPISODES: 16

CASTS:

Jisung as Jo Min Hyuk

Hwang Jung-Eum as Kang Yoo Jung

Bae Soo Bin as Ahn Do Hoon

Lee Da Hae as Shin Se Yeon

Synopsis:

Kang Yoo Jung and Ahn Do Hoon have been lovers for the past 7 years. Recently he has been appointed as a Prosecutor  and for both of them, the happy ending approaching upon them after he proposes her to be his wife.But unbeknownst to the couple there is a twist to their love story. Their car involved in an accident while trying to avoid a truck (it was raining heavily that night) and a woman was killed. In panic, Ahn Do Hoon flee the scene upon seeing the woman in a pool of blood while Kang Yoo Jung is not aware of the happenings. It turns out that the woman is Kang Min Hyuk’s lover and she was carrying his child. Kang Min Hyuk all these while have been searching for his lover since she disappears after their relationship received great opposition from Kang Min Hyuk’s family (he’s a chaebol..DUH). 

Since the car is registered under Kang Yoo Jung’s name, she came as the plausible perpetrator in the hit-and-run. In the name of love, she put herself on the blame for the crime for the sake of Ahn Do Hoon’s future (since he is now a Prosecutor so having a criminal record basically ruined him for life) and triggers the wrath in Kang Min Hyeok. He swears to make Kang Yoo Jung’s life a living hell since she took away his lover and their unborn child.  

My rating: 10/10 (One of the best in 2013)

I do not wish to pour out spoilers for this one because I want people who haven’t watch this drama to personally experience the mind blowing writing and performance of the actors themselves… I beg to disagree that I am exaggerating bit much because I am certainly not. This drama is FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!

Romance blossomed from deep hatred. Revenge turns to affection. The theme is somewhat cliche’ but the plot is fresh. It’s raw with emotions and what makes it better the portrayal of each character by the casts have heightened the experience throughout the drama. They better win some awards for their acting cause they were so good!

I love the fact that all the characters shares equal exposure in the story. In comparison with other KDrama the writers tend to highlight the main characters (especially the ones with love lines) and display them in one-dimensional personality. For example the lead girl will always be poor and miserable. She supports herself by working multiple part-time jobs. The lead guy will always be a rich heir who has everything but affection since his parents are so busy expanding their empire. They met under unfavorable situation and fighting childishly over petty matters and he will soon realize that she kinda cute and want to date her blalalalala.. While the second leads will always be the ones looking for afar and hanging on unrequited love.. (LOVE IS THE FEELING!!!!)

Okay enough with that..

FUN FACTS:

1.This drama was actually written by a rookie writer, Choi Hu-Chul who was the winner of the “Excellence Award” at KBS One  Act Play Script Contest in 2012 for “Secret Love”. His script won with only 4 episodes!!!!

2. Not long before the drama starts shooting or airing, Ji Sung and Bae Soo Bin got married . Recently news was out saying that Bae Soon Bin will soon to be a father. Congratzzzzz!!

3. In Happy Together 3, Ji Sung and Bae Soo Bin admitted that they are awkward with each other. But now just look at them…

4. There was a suggestion for the drama to be extended more than 16 episodes due to it’s high rating. But the writers refused to do so and maintained with the original plan. Salute to you writer-nim!

5. After this drama ended, the Heirs hits the 20% rating marks… It seemed to me all Secret fans revert from Jo Min Hyuk to Kim Tan.. Ahahahha

6. I spent 3 weeks spazzing in Soompi forum aka Secret thread where I met wonderful Secreters(that’s what we call ourselves as fan of the drama). I participated in message book for Bae Soo Bin (thanks a million to cynkdf from Soompi for the invitation).

I have to put it here to brag..huhu

So watch this drama jaebal! Don’t fast-forward anything! (just joking)

Adios for now….

Review: MASTER OF MY SUN aka LET SO JI SUB BE YOUR MASTER!!!! @.@

 

Starring Seo Ji Sub, Gong Hyo Jin, Seo In Guk and Kim Yoori.

 

Episodes : 17 (finished airing)

The drama was written by the HONG SISTERS who wrote Greatest Love, My Girl, Couple or Trouble and You’re Beautiful etc… Basically romantic comedy is their forte’.

Rating: It’s is so good that I am having a withdrawal crisis by the end of Ep. 17  *teary eyes*

I am anticipating this drama since Hong Sisters are my faves and so far I am enjoying each and every drama they ever written. What’s more intriguing is the leads  and everyone has been wondering if they would be a perfect fit as lovers in this drama (I can say they are so good that I am constantly squeaking and screaming during the romantic scenes. They bring out the fangirl in me).

Horror rom-com? I think this drama is first of its kind. So this is how the story goes..

Tae Gong Shil has been in living hell ever since she woke up from her three-years coma after an accident during her trip at a mountain (not sure about the name of the mountain but I am sure she was lost in the forest…hehehe). Due to her ability to see, hear and talk to ghosts she has been depressed because the ghosts keep asking her to do them favors i.e. settle their unfinished business. She has grown into an outcast, isolated from the community and confining herself within the four walls of her rooftop room at a study hostel. Basically she’s a loner. Poor girl. Plus she’s suffering from insomia which explained her panda eyes.

Joo Joong Won on the other hand is a money-obsessed CEO (what is kdrama without chaebol) with high pride and of course a narcissist.  I found this character very funny because all he talks about is his mall. Gah how cute is that. But that’s not all! Of course  So Ji Sub would not play a character without a painful, traumatic experience that made him a cold-hearted person many years later. When he was 15, he was kidnapped by his girlfriend for ransom of 10 Billion Won. But in the end, his girlfriend died tragically after her car crashed during police pursuit. He remains unmarried at 34, believed to be caused by her dead girlfriend’s curse among the high-society community. In reality that would be impossible. No hot guys remains single after 29. Period.

They both met when Taeyang was hitchhiking in the middle of nowhere and Joong Won happened to pass by. It was raining heavily outside and the Driver aka Joong Won Secretary was asking him if they could give her a lift home. So, she was thankful for the ride and tries to make conversation with Joong Won (who is not interested in other human being besides himself). She must be feeling super awkward at that time. Suddenly a ghost came out of nowhere and gave Taeyang a fright. She screamed her lungs out and unconsciously hugged him, and PUFF! the ghost disappears. She was pleasantly surprised to found out that she could avoid from seeing all those horrible looking ghosts simply by having physical contact with Joong Won.  So from that moment on she has been hovering him, begging for him to allow her to touch him. She sees him as “a shelter” and was hopeful that she would become normal for once and for all. She was quite persistent I gotta say. She went to work as janitor at his mall just for a chance to see him—-> so she can touch him. Stalker much? Heh

Given all this odds, how the romance is freaking possible? Well I think I wanna do recap on my next entry. Hahahaha….  Peace out!

This is my favourite song from the OST…

 

sincerely by Fatma Chingu ❤