Drinking Solo

Drama: Drinking Solo (literal title)

Revised romanization: Honsoolnamnyeo

Hangul: 혼술남녀

Network: tvN

Episodes: 16

Release Date: September 5 - October 25, 2016

Runtime: Mondays & Tuesdays 23:00

Synopsis

Background of the drama is set around a private institute for people preparing for their civil service examinations in Noryangjin, Seoul, South Korea. Story depicts people drinking alcohol alone for different reasons and the romance between Jung-Suk (Ha Seok-Jin) and Shin-Ib (Park Ha-Sun). Jung-Suk is an arrogant, but popular instructor and Shin-Ib is a rookie instructor. She struggles to survive in the private institute world.

My Review

One of the korean drama i watched until last eps lately. I dropped so many drama during mid eps such as scarlet heart, cinderella and the four knights, W, and so on. Drinking solo depicts a fresh story about tutoring, romance, etc. This drama needs to make the second season soon!

Ratings: 8.5/10

Age of Youth

Drama: Age of Youth (literal title)

Hangul: 청춘시대

Network: JTBC

Episodes: 12

Release Date: July 22 - August 27, 2016

Synopsis:

University students Yoon Jin-Myung (Han Ye-Ri), Jung Ye-Eun (Han Seung-Yeon), Song Ji-Won (Park Eun-Bin), Kang Yi-Na (Hwa Young) and Yoo Eun-Jae (Park Hye-Soo) share a house.

Jin-Myung is busy supporting herself financially and studying. She suffers from lack of sleep. Ye-Eun is devoted to her boyfriend, she is clear about what she likes or not. Ji-Won has a bright personality and likes to drink. Yi-Na is popular due to her beautiful appearance. Eun-Jae is timid, but she has an unique taste for men.

My Review:

A great short drama about 4 girls who live in the same boarding house. I like how the story is possible to happen in real life. It just feel so real that every people have their own problems and how the girls connect with each other despite many differences. There's still so many mysterious things have not been revealed at the ending. So i hope to see the second season soon :)

Ratings: 8/10

Spark

Title: 스파크 / Seupakeu

Format: Web drama

Episodes: 12

Broadcast network: Naver TV Cast

Broadcast period: 2016-Jul-25 to 2016-Aug-11

Synopsis:

Strange things happen at night. Son Ha Neul (Nam Bo Ra) is a young woman who lost her parents to a terrible accident and has been living at a friend’s house. She works odd jobs during the day and night to support herself. Yoon Ga On (Na Jong Chan) is a member of the famous idol group Dexter and is known as a musical genius. The two strangers’ worlds collide when Ha Neul gets a temp job one night to work on the production of Dexter’s music video. While taking a rest by some bushes during the filming, Ha Neul and Ga On are both struck by a falling star! After the accident, Ga On suddenly starts emitting electricity from his body. What will become of Ha Neul and Ga On now? “Spark” is a 2016 South Korean web drama series directed by Kim Woo Sun.

My Review:

A simple webdrama that attracted my attention. The story is quite good but sometimes it makes me cringe so much haha ;D

Ratings: 7.8/10

Beautiful Mind

Drama: Beautiful Mind
Hangul: 뷰티풀 마인드
Network: KBS2
Episodes: 14
Release Date: June 20 - August 2, 2016
Runtime: Mon & Tue 22:00

Synopsis:
Lee Young-O (Jang Hyuk) is an excellent neurosurgeon with zero sympathy. One day, he becomes involved in bizarre patient deaths. He also falls in love and recovers his humanity.

My Review:
A beautifully written drama that getting better and better in each episode. I like how every aspect in this drama brings you an incredible story. The story line just fit in perfectly and all actors portrayed their characters very well. Highly recommended drama indeed :) 

Ratings: 9.5/10

EXO Next Door

Title: 우리 옆집에 엑소가 산다 / Woori Yupjibe Eksoga Sanda

Episodes: 16

Broadcast network: Naver TV Cast

Broadcast period: 2015-Apr-09 to 2015-May-28

Air time: Tuesday and Thursday 22:00

Synopsis:

Ji Yeon Hee is a 20-something year old girl, who hasn't yet dated because she blushes terribly and is completely paralysed when she's near a good looking boy. One day, four members of EXO are trying to keep a low profile, and move into the house of one of the member's grandfather. However, it turns out that EXO members' house is right in front of Yeon Hee's house.

My Review: 

A quite interesting drama although i'm not a big fans of exo. I found the story is kinda fun and light. I wish there's something more at the ending.

Ratings: 8/10

Orange

Movie: Orange

Japanese: orange-オレンジ-

Release Date: December 12, 2015

Runtime: 139 min.

Synopsis

Naho Takamiya (Tao Tsuchiya) is a 2nd year high school student. During the spring, Naho Takamiya receives a letter sent by herself from 10 years in the future. In the letter, she liked transfer student Kakeru Naruse (Kento Yamazaki). Kakeru Naruse carried emotional scars from his mother's suicide and he died one year later. 26-years-old Naho Takamiya thinks about Kakeru Naruse often. 2nd year high school student Naho Takamiya, with the knowledge of what she feels 10 years in the future, takes action to change her future.  

My Review

I read a lot of comment and review about this movie and i had been hesitating a lot to watch this movie or not. People said that they cried a lot while watching this drama and i'm not a fans of sad movie. But i gave it a try and so glad that i did ;) I like how strong the friendship in this drama and how they stuck together through thick and thin. Although, not all of the things in this movie might happen in real life, i learnt that we must choose every decision carefully so we have less regret.

Ratings: 9/10

Asuko March

Title: アスコーマーチ!

Title (romaji): Asuko March!

Episodes: 9

Broadcast network: TV Asahi

Broadcast period: 2011-Apr-24 to 2011-Jul-03

Synopsis

Takei plays Yoshino Nao, a girl who fails the entrance exams of her target high school. She winds up enrolling in a technical high school called Kenritsu Asuka Kougyou Koukou, also known by the nickname "Asuko." Out of the 148 entering freshmen, only three are girls, and Nao is the only one in her class.

My Review

This drama tells the story of school life, how to hanging on despite of hardship, and youth. For me, its a so so drama because the storyline is great but too intensive. Sometimes i felt tired when i watched it and the ending isn't satisfying enough for me. I wish there's more epilogue at the end of story.

Ratings: 7.5/10

My Amazing Boyfriend

Title: 我的奇妙男友 / Wo De Qi Miao Nan You

English title: My Amazing Boyfriend

Episodes: 28

Broadcast period: 2016-04-24 to 2016-06-01

Synopsis

Mutant Xue Ling Qiao, who has been asleep for centuries, is awakened by the unlucky actress Tian Jing Zhi in a car accident. He then forces his way into living at her house despite his mysterious past. On the surface, she acts like she’s not bothered by his super powers, but actually, she tries her best to get rid of this “monster.” Unexpectedly, their torment of each other gradually warms their relationship. This not only illuminates their romantic feelings but also reveals a shocking conspiracy that spans centuries.

My Review

I have a mix feeling about this drama because in the beginning this drama is really good with unique storyline and funny actor/actress and i cant wait until the next ep releases. But, i lost my interest after 20's eps. I dont know why but its getting less interesting and too easy to guess.

Ratings: 7.5/10

Please Love the Useless Me

Drama: Please Love Me! (English title)
Romaji: Dame na Watashi ni Koishite Kudasai
Japanese: ダメな私に恋してください
Episodes: 10
Release Date: January 12 - March 15, 2016

Synopsis

Michio (Kyoko Fukada) is 30-years-old. She keeps looking for a job after her previous employer went bankrupt, but she is unable to find work. Michio still supports her younger boyfriend and her savings is almost gone. Then, Michio meets her ex-boss Ayumu (Dean Fujioka). She was scared of Ayumu when they worked together. Ayumu now runs a tearoom which his grandmother ran. Michio decides to work part-time at Ayumu's tearoom. There, she various troubles everyday. Ayumu helps Michio, which allows her to see a different side of him that she never noticed before.

My Review

This lately i've been bored with usual storyline and too much annoying character. Gratefully, i found this drama randomly and i just fell in love with all of characters in this drama including the supporting actor. This drama has a decent storyline. I like that there's no complex problem and pretty much focusing to the main lead story. You guys should watch it and have a great time :)

Ratings: 9/10

Ugly Duckling: Perfect Match

Title: Perfect Match / แฟนฉัน! รับประกันความเพอร์เฟ็กต์

Duration: 9 Episodes

Broadcast period: May 17, 2015 --- July 12, 2015

Company Name: GMM TV

Summary:

Junior (Mook) is a pretty and rich young miss who's living a happy life, has lots of friends and a handsome boyfriend. One day, she decides to do plastic surgery because she couldn't stand her friends saying how big her cheeks was. She does it without knowing that she is allergic to chemicals, and that causes acne/pimples all over her face. After the incident, her friends and boyfriend starts ditching her by giving excuses. She can't stand the social life she's living among (where everyone is disgusted by her), so she begs her parents to study at a college in the countryside to have a treatment at the college's hospital, and to follow her dream guy from her favorite fiction. And that's where she meets Seua (Push), a very handsome cheeky guy.

My Review:
Cute thai drama with a simple story line. I like that there's always some quote or lesson we could take in every episode. 

Ratings: 8/10

Signal

Drama: Signal

Hangul: 시그널

Network: tvN

Episodes: 16

Release Date: January 22 - March 12, 2016

Language: Korean

Synopsis:

Hae-Young (Lee Je-Hoon) works as a criminal profiler and is also a police lieutenant. Even though he is a cop, he doesn't trust cops due to his own past experience. Back in 2000, when Hae-Young was in elementary school, his classmate Yoon-Jung was kidnapped and later found dead. Hae-Young saw a woman taking Yoon-Jung from school that day, but the police announced that the suspect was a man. Hae-Young even went to the police station and told the police officers that he saw the kidnapper and she was a woman. The police officers though didn't pay attention to him. The killer was never caught and her case remains unsolved to this day.

Hae-Young meets a reporter at a cafe to reveal bombshells about a celebrity scandal. Meanwhile, veteran detective Soo-Hyun (Kim Hye-Soo) is at the cafe staking out the meeting, unaware that Hae-Young is a cop. She arrests Soo-Hyun for stalking celebrities. While leaving the police station (the same police station he went to as a kid), Hae-Young hears someone talking to him. He looks around to find a walkie-talkie. The man who is talking to Hae-Young is Detective Jae-Han (Cho Jin-Woong). The detective though is from the year 2000 and he is investigating the disappearance of Hae-Young's elementary school classmate. Hae-Young and Detective Jae-Han begin to communicate via the walkie-talkie.

My Review:

A great suspense/crime drama that makes you wonder what will happen next and next. The idea of story is brilliant but i dont know why i just dont get the ending (open ending). Dont watch it if you hope to see a lot of romance and watch it if you have interest in crime and murder solving!

Ratings: 8/10

Descendants of The Sun

Drama: Descendants of the Sun (English & literal title)

Hangul: 태양의 후예

Network: KBS2

Episodes: 16

Release Date: February 24 - April 14, 2016

Language: Korean

Synopsis:

Shi-Jin (Song Joong-Ki) is the captain of the special forces. He catches a motorcycle thief with Sergeant Major Dae-Young (Jin Goo). The thief is injured during his capture and is sent to the hospital. Dae-Young realises his cellphone was stolen by the thief and goes to the hospital to retrieve his cellphone.

In the emergency room, Shi-Jin meets Dr. Mo-Yeon (Song Hye-Kyo) for the first time. He falls in love with her immediately. Mo-Yeon mistakenly assumes Shi-Jin is part of thief's criminal gang. He proves to her that he is a soldier with the help of army doctor Myeong-Joo (Kim Ji-Won).

Shi-Jin and Mo-Yeon begin to date, but due to their jobs their dates don't go well. Shi-Jin takes an order to lead his soldiers on a peacekeeping mission to the country of Uruk. Meanwhile, Mo-Yeon becomes upset that she fails to become a professor due to a colleague's privileged background. When Shi-Jin and Mo-Yeon meet again, they talk about their views on life and realise how different they are. Shi-Jin, as a soldier, kills to protect lives and Mo-Yeon, as a doctor, tries to save all lives. They say their goodbyes.

Eight months later, Mo-Yeon rebuffs the sexual advances of hospital chairman Suk-Won (Tae In-Ho) and as retribution is assigned to lead a medical team in Uruk. There, Shi-Jin and Mo-Yeon meet again.

My Review:

The best drama i've watched in 2016 so far. I just love everything about this drama from the story, actor, jokes, action, romance etc. It just somehow work and unite perfectly. This drama teach me that nothing last forever whether it sadness or happiness, we just need to live in the moment and live it to the fullest :) 

Ratings: 9.5/10

Page Turner

Drama: Page Turner

Hangul: 페이지 터너

Network: KBS2

Episodes: 3

Release Date: March 26 - April 9, 2016

Language: Korean

Synopsis:

Yoo-Seul (Kim So-Hyun) is a student of an art high school. She is a talented pianist and who won various contests, but she is driven by her mother. Yoo-Seul's mother wanted to become a pianist when she was younger. One day, Yoo-Seul has an accident. Yoo-Seul may never play the piano again because of the accident. With the help of her friend Cha-Sik and Yoo-Seul's rival Jin-Mok, Yoo-Seul begins to live a new life.

My Review:

A super short drama (3 eps) with great character and plot. I wish they will expand the episodes with more disclosure. However, i enjoy this mini drama a lot like somehow i can relate to the story. 

Ratings: 8.5/10

Taste of Love

Title: 唯一繼承者 / Wei Yi Ji Cheng Zhe
English title: Taste of Love
Genre: Romance

Synopsis:

Wen Feng's restaurant business has gone downhill since his mother/star chef's hospitalization because no one could recreate her world famous duck dish. To find the missing ingredient in their duck sauce, he decides to go back to the places where his mother began her career. With the help food tour guide Ye Xiao He, he goes on a food odyssey discovering the tastes that culminated in their restaurant's most famous dish.

My Review:

A simple and romantic drama with a lot of sweet scene. I think the story itself pretty much predictable and maybe thats why i found that this drama just average.

Ratings: 7.5/10

Madame Antoine

Drama: Madame Antoine (working title)

Hangul: 마담 앙트완

Network: JTBC

Episodes: 16

Release Date: January 22, 2016 

Runtime: Fridays & Saturdays 20:30

Language: Korean

Synopsis:

Ko Hye-Rim (Han Ye-Seul) is a famous fortune-teller. She is known as "Madame Antoine" and insists that she is spiritually connected to Marie Antoinette, but that part is a lie. She is able to see through people's stories due to her intelligence and keen sense. She dreams of having love in a romantic film. Ko Hye-Rim then takes part in a psychological test project conducted by psychotherapist Choi Soo-Hyun (Sung Joon). His goal is to prove that true love does not exist. Coincidentally, the name for his psychological treatment center is Madame Antoine.

My Review:

My favorite kind of psycological romance drama :) Sung Joon is a great actor, he pulled his character so well. The plot is simple, funny, and quite peculiar compares to others common drama. In addition, this drama has a cutest and satisfying ending which is pretty rare lately.

Ratings: 9/10

D-Day

Drama: D-Day

Hangul: 디 데이

Network: JTBC

Episodes: 20

Release Date: September 18 - November 21, 2015

Language: Korean

Synopsis:

A natural disaster strikes the city of Seoul. The whole city becomes paralyzed. Doctors and emergency personnel struggle to save the people.

My Review:

At first, i hesitated to watch this drama because of uninteresting synopsis. But i'm so glad i watched it. This drama has an unique and strong storyline that makes you want to be a doctor or maybe just to be someone useful in others life :). I really love that at the ending everyone gets a good disclosure. If you enjoy to watch medical and uncommon storyline then you should watch this! 

Ratings: 8.5/10

Choco Bank

Title: Choco Bank

Episodes: 6

Synopsis:

Choco Bank is about a guy named Kim Eun-haeng (Kim Jong-in), who is a college graduate entering the workforce. His father made sure he had a lucky start in life by giving him a name that meant the word bank. Eun Haeng (meaning Bank in Korean) will deal with the concerns many in their 20s struggle with when they start working for the very first time. He was unemployed for five years. He later meets a girl named Ha Cho-co (Park Eun-bin) who is getting ready to start a business. The story plays out as the two meet and find out more about the financial service industry.

My Review:

I started watching this short drama randomly and it turns out to be a good and simple one.  I don't even realize that exo kai is the main actor until the last few eps. There's no evil character in this drama and i pretty much enjoy it.

Ratings: 7/10

When I See You Again

Title: 他看她的第2眼 / Ta Kan Ta De Di Er Yan
English title: When I See You Again
Broadcast network: TTV/ SETTV

Synopsis:

Xia You Qian (Jasper Liu) is the total package. He’s good-looking, a highly successful head of a private equity company and well liked by everyone around him. Even competitors like Hu Yan Ze (Jet Chao) can’t help but respect him and wealthy socialites like Hu Yong Qing (Ivy Shao) are in love with him. But You Qian also has the keen ability to make accurate assessments about people at first sight using his strong observational skills. When You Qian and his grandfather are invited to Pu Lang village to judge a competition, he runs into An Xi (Mandy Wei), a woman who was responsible for You Qian nearly losing his life 10 years ago. An Xi is forced to enter the competition to try to earn the prize money to save her hostel, which she inherited from her father but is riddled with debt. After You Qian’s prejudice forces An Xi to lose the competition, will she be forced to marry her creditor to pay back her debts? “When I See You Again” is a 2015 Taiwanese drama series.

My review:

I started this drama because of eye candy Jasper Liu :).  The first episode is kinda boring, but its getting better and better until ep 13/14. Although i still finished this drama until the end, i just hate the fact that the good people change to be a bad one and then become good again so quickly and sometimes make no sense. 

Ratings: 7/10

I Order You

Title: 당신을 주문합니다 / Dangsineul Jumunhamnida / Your Order (lit.)

Also known as: I'm Placing an Order for You

Episodes: 16

Broadcast network: Naver TVCast (SNS), SBS Plus

Broadcast date: 2015-Jul-06 to 2015-Jul-30

Synopsis:

Yeo Gook Dae (U-Know Yunho) is a talented chef who is sassy and considerate but heartbroken in the past since his divorce. His heart later on gets healed when he falls in love again. 28-year-old Park Song Ah (Kim Ga Eun) is idling at home after quitting her job. She goes to a homemade dosirak (lunchbox) shop as her brother’s request and meets three attractive men there. The pretty and delicious food that they make touch her, and she gets her heart stolen by one of them. A cute funny story about a couple who bicker constantly but their relationship gradually blossoms into pure innocent love.

My Review:

This drama is funny and lovable, but there is some part of this drama that i personally dont like. 

Ratings: 7/10