Ajooma Reviews: Kdramas and Mental Health

In early 2020, my friends from work egged me to watch Crash Landing On You on Netflix. Averse from watching Pinoy telenovelas, I always replied with an eye roll. When the pandemic forced the entire world to retreat in the comforts (or otherwise) of their homes, I gave CLOY a shot. The rest is history.

Watching Kdramas since March 2020 has been a form of bibliotherapy for me. It is something I share with my grown-up kids, my friends from work and communities, and new found friends in the BTS fandom, ARMY. Kdramas as fantasy is a form of escape. A space and a place where one's imagination merges and connects with the characters and in there, one can find identification, catharsis and to some extent, healing. Since most Kdramas pursue the good, the true and the beautiful, viewers emerge from the experience comforted and hopeful of better days to come. We all need hope and comfort regardless of the circumstances.

Since October is Mental Health Awareness Month, here is a list of Kdramas I have seen in the past two years that take on the issue of mental health. Included are my key takeaways.  

1. Hyde, Jekyll, Me (by Kim Jiwoon; Directed by Jo Young-kwang, 2015) Normalize treatment and therapy for people with mental health issues and those with challenges in learning.

2. True Beauty ( by Lee Si-eun; Directed by Kim Sang-hyeop, 2020-21) Look out for each other. Always lend an ear; a helping hand; open arms. Blessed are the teachers who can stand up for students with learning challenges and disabilities.

3. When the Weather is Fine (by Han Ga-ram; Directed by Han Ji-Seung) Trauma is real. Surviving and healing from a traumatic experience takes years to endure.

4. Bad and Crazy (by Kim Sae-bom; Directed by Yoo Seon-dong) Recognize that teh first person who can help you, is you.

5. Touch Your Heart (by Lee Myung-suk and Choi Bo-rim; Directed by Park Joon-hwa) More laws and protection for the disabled and marginalized.

6. Move to Heaven (by Yoon Ji-ryeon; Directed by Kim Sung-ho) Children, especially those in the spectrum need a community to raise them well. 

7. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (by Moon Ji-won; Directed by Yoo In-shik) Not all people with ASD are savants.

While the Kdramas I mentioned above ended happily ever after and the antagonists got what they deserve, I am well aware of the harsh realities that surround the treatment and stigma of people with mental health issues as well as the family and friends who care and love them. One thing I always take away from shows and series mentioned above is to hold judgement of another. We do not know the burdens nor the past of every person we meet. Empathy and compassion are traits we all need to grow and nurture.

For a less romanticized and non-fictional rendition on mental health, I turn to documentaries by credible content creators. Should you feel any disturbance from watching the Kdramas listed above, know that I am open for a decent and respectful discussion.

Ajooma Reviews 2021

Rounding up my Kdrama Reviews of 2021 and some notes on the ones that did not make a full review on the blog.

True Beauty Review Part 1 - Right after the finale of Tale of the Nine Tailed, we decided to watch True Beauty for three reasons namely: 1. Moon Ga Young; 2. Cha Eun Woo; 3. And GFRIENDS' revival of The Nolans I'm In The Mood for Dancing. And well, we are not disappointed at the turn of events and how the story has progressed thus far.

True Beauty Review Part 2 - True Beauty folded up last month. It has left us with good memories and lasting impressions. It had everything a Kdrama has to offer. A solid one true pairing (OTP); an unforgettable second male lead; an imperfect but admirable supporting cast and a sound track that is worth listening to over and over. I enjoyed it for what it is. I am forever grateful.

Do You Like Brahms -  is a Kdrama about young musicians and the pursuance of their dreams. Park Eun Bin plays the aspiring violinist but she is a bit short in the talent department. Nonetheless, she is diligent and dedicated to her job as an intern in a music and arts foundation. This makes her an endearing female lead. Park Min Jae plays the male lead in this drama and it is such a delight to see him essay a conflicted character breaking out into his own. He and Eun Bin have chemistry. Their look and personalities complement each other so, when the scene of their first heart break happened, I wanted them to be back in each other's arms again.

When the Weather is Fine - is one of the under rated dramas of 2020. I am happy to have seen this with my daughter. It is a visual feast, a well crafted story of redemption laced with comforting stories of family life and community. Park Min Young and Seo Kang Joon perfectly portrayed the disturbing silences inside them preventing them to love each other. And when they break this silence, their dialogues to each other  is poetry.

Lovestruck in the City -the story of six yuppies living in Seoul. It tells of their daily lives and the choices they make on love and career. It looks as simple as that. Yet, at the core is the quest of finding one's self and being happy about it. These six characters are connected to one another and  through interviews done by an unidentified character, the documentary/oral history approach in storytelling works. It was like watching a magazine interview in three parts or installments. 

 Chicago Typewriter - Ajumma Reviews is back after a long while. Let me tell you what I think about Chicago Typewriter (CT)

Looking back at 2021, I watched seven Kdramas that did not make it on the blog for a review. Bangtan happened. That is another story. So, here are three sentence reviews of the following Kdramas I have seen last year.

Reply 1994 - I enjoyed this very much because of Yoo Yeon Seok. I love works of the writer and the director of the Reply series as they offer a slice of life of many lives that make the ordinary extraordinary. Lastly, it is a homage to the 90s, my decade and my generation.

Warm and Cozy - Another YYS Kdrama with Kang Sora. This is a slow burn and the sudden change in YYS' character didn't sit well with me. There was a gap in his character's development but, Jeju Island made it to my Bucket List!

Dr. Romantic 1 and 2 - Recommended by a dear friend, this is a Kdrama I regretted not watching earlier on. But. This is so good I am awaiting season 3 to happen.

Hospital Playlist 1 - From the team that put together the Reply Series, Hospital Playlist did not disappoint. I fell in love with the Winter Garden couple and I dream of being friends with the Lacking Five. HP 1 made me subscribe to YYS' YT Channel following the reality shows featuring the Lacking Five.

Vincenzo - Song Joong-Ki plays an alluring villain that challenged me to examine my own definition of heroes and heroism. The supporting cast is hilarious! One of the best I have seen since CLOY.

Move to Heaven - For a Kdrama that has death at the core of its storyline, Move to Heaven is awe inspiring and life affirming. This is the first Kdrama I saw that respected people with special learning needs. It also makes a statement on LGBTQ relationships.

I have four Kdramas on my watch list so, let's see how things go!

Ajooma Reviews: Chicago Typewriter

Chicago Typewriter

Writer: Jin Soo-wan

Director: Kim Cheol-Kyu

Studio Dragon, 2017

Ajumma Reviews is back after a long while. Let me tell you what I think about Chicago Typewriter (CT)

CT is, I think, one of the better written Kdrama of that year/era. It does not have an electrifying cast that Goblin had nor does it have the alluring chemistry of BinJin in CLOY. But it succeeded in several aspects both as a genre of literature and media format. Here are three points that make CT one unforgettable drama that I will be recommending to friends and family.

1. The storytelling is layered and well scaffolded. It begins at present day America with an old typewriter, an object that is a powerful metaphor all throughout the series, affecting the life of a young writer and a fan girl of his. How this "haunted" object was used to reveal and unravel secrets of the past connecting to the lives of the lead characters in modern day Seoul is strategically done per episode.

2. Yoo Ah In’s irresistible charm is enough to carry the cast till the end.

3. I love the message of redemption, second chances and accountability. The only way to save yourself is by being accountable. This is a noble thing to do and very human.

P.S. The message that art and literature are not frivolous things to be pursued but essentials to living a full life and in shaping national identity are well rendered in cultural and historical contexts. I wish I could live in a mansion filled with books!

Ajooma Reviews: Do You Like Brahms, Love Struck in the City and When the Weather is Fine

It has been a busy first half of the year. One more week and it's June! Summer is up ahead. While I have been very much involved in community work, literacy advocacy and initiatives online and of course, work from home, I am updated on my Kdrama watch list. It grows long by the day, I tell you. Romcoms and slice of life genre are my biases so, I have them up on my list. 

Here are three Kdramas that I really enjoyed after watching True Beauty. 

Do You Like Brahms is a Kdrama about young musicians and the pursuance of their dreams. Park Eun Bin plays the aspiring violinist but she is a bit short in the talent department. Nonetheless, she is diligent and dedicated to her job as an intern in a music and arts foundation. This makes her an endearing female lead. Park Min Jae plays the male lead in this drama and it is such a delight to see him essay a conflicted character breaking out into his own. He and Eun Bin have chemistry. Their look and personalities complement each other so, when the scene of their first heart break happened, I wanted them to be back in each other's arms again.

Over all, Do You Like Brahms is a Kdrama depicting the lives of young professionals overcoming their own fears and insecurities with a little help from the community who believes in them. Once again, the value of a community in shaping a person and how it impacts his/her life is very much evident in this drama.

Love Struck in the City is again, the story of six yuppies living in Seoul. It tells of their daily lives and the choices they make on love and career. It looks as simple as that. Yet, at the core is the quest of finding one's self and being happy about it. These six characters are connected to one another and  through interviews done by an unidentified character, the documentary/oral history approach in storytelling works. It was like watching a magazine interview in three parts or installments. 

Kim Ji Woon and Ji Chang Wook make for a beautiful couple. They did find their happy ending despite the open ended and heart breaking resolutions that beset their friends at the final episode. Those loose ends and open wounds linger. It will make you wonder what will happen next and though there is no promise of a second season, it is better to leave things as they are.

And now I go the last Kdrama review for this post. When the Weather is Fine is one of the under rated dramas of 2020. I am happy to have seen this with my daughter. It is a visual feast, a well crafted story of redemption laced with comforting stories of family life and community. Park Min Young and Seo Kang Joon perfectly portrayed the disturbing silences inside them preventing them to love each other. And when they break this silence, their dialogues to each other  is poetry.

Up next in my Ajooma Reviews are three Kdramas, namely Dr. Romatic Season 1 and 2, Reply 1994, Vincenzo and Hospital Playlist.

Ajooma Reviews: True Beauty Ep 11 - 16

True Beauty 

Studio Dragon / TvN

Written by Lee Si-eun

Directed by Kim Sang Hyeop

True Beauty folded up last month. It has left us with good memories and lasting impressions. It had everything a Kdrama has to offer. A solid one true pairing (OTP); an unforgettable second male lead; an imperfect but admirable supporting cast and a sound track that is worth listening to over and over. I enjoyed it for what it is. I am forever grateful.

Our best boy, Seo Jun played by Hwang In-Youp, didn't get the girl but he has earned the admiration of thousands. He made it to my list of Second Lead Syndrome along with Lee Dong Wook (for Goblin) Woo Do Hwan, Choi Si-won, Kim Min Jae and Kim Jung Hyun. Kdramas have a way of allowing the second male lead to shine on their own and often, the actors portray their characters so well, they are elevated into the male lead status. What is interesting to note is the variety in which the leads are presented that even though they essay familiar romantic tropes and archetypes, they appear fresh and new (at least in my eyes, they are).

The same can be said with the arc of the OTP. The cold seemingly heartless male lead is smitten by the ugly duckling. We didn't know their connection from the past and their past lives, but the way it was revealed in the series make it exciting to follow. Another comfort food is the supporting cast. Imperfect as they are, they are admirable as they tried to rise above their own mistakes. And sometimes, an admission and an apology of one's mistake is all that matters.

True Beauty is campy and over the top. A romance and fantasy fodder for Kdrama fans all over. A light and fluffy entertainment we need to survive in these trying times.

Rating: 4 /5 Bowls of Ramyun

Ajooma Reviews: True Beauty Ep 1-10

True Beauty 

Studio Dragon / TvN

Written by Lee Si-eun

Directed by Kim Sang Hyeop

Right after the finale of Tale of the Nine Tailed, we decided to watch True Beauty for three reasons namely:

1. Moon Ga Young 

2. Cha Eun Woo

3. And GFRIENDS' revival of The Nolans I'm In The Mood for Dancing

And well, we are not disappointed at the turn of events and how the story has progressed thus far.

True Beauty touches on very serious issues like self worth, bullying, dysfunctional family structures, suicide and peer pressure but the campy and hilarity in the writing gives the entire drama a lift that is strangely uplifting and inspiring at the same time. Credit goes to the cast. Moon Ga Young is endearing and Im-Semi is the older sister everybody deserves. Cha Eun Woo is an adorable tsundere but it is Hwang In Yeop who is turning out to be a revelation. 

It is a tug of war in the romance department and in one episode, the love triangle turns into a quad angle with three good looking guys pining after Ju-Kyung. And yet, she stays on course not losing her north star. She knows who she likes and she isn't one to play around. Also, having found joy and security in make-up and glamour, she is pretty content having that as her security blanket. So, when she and Su Ho finally started dating, her self confidence wanes and Su Ho is the supportive and reassuring boyfriend. 

Sounds good? Caveat. If you are not comfortable with and adult sensibility permeating the romance and the drama among characters who are still in high school, well, might as well watch Lovestruck in the City instead.

We are excited to watch the next six episodes as we are eager to know the reason behind Se-yeon's death, cheer-on Im-Semi and her lover and find redemption or at least a just closure for the wayward parents in this drama. It's an entertaining drama nonetheless. Aren't we all hard pressed for entertainment these days?

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 15-16 Finale (2 of 2)

 Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

Here is part two of my TOTNT review and the insights I have gathered from watching the drama.

1. All those little things done with great love can encompass the entire universe.

The day before Yeon and Ji Ah battle the Imoogi, they spent a day together eating ice cream and sharing a kiss, playing at the arcade, watching the day turn into night until the city lights shine and sparkle like the stars. They were running against time knowing the possible ending would mean death for either of them. Though, Yeon is more calculating and clever as he could see from miles away. A skill and power of a benevolent mountain spirit.

I am fascinated by this. How simple yet it means everything!

How the ordinary and the small things, those little acts of love that seem mundane can actually measure up to grand gestures! Time spent with a spouse, a partner, a lover or a friend and basking in his/her presence in the most simple of ways can mean the entire humanity and the universe put together. Go hug the person or the pet you love as often as you can! Tell them you love them. Go the extra mile for them. Listen and just be there. And forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Forgive.

Life is too short, too precious to be angry and indifferent.

2. Why we need to let go, especially of our attachments and the people we hold dear.

In episode 1, Yeon and Sunhoo met at the park as another kid was chasing after a balloon. Yeon, being a mountain spirit wielded the wind to bring back the balloon which Sunhoo witnessed. He then asked Yeon if he was an alien. It is here where Yeon first speak of these lines, "I'm saying that life is short so try your best in life...but know when to let go when something's too unbearable."

Wow. That packs a punch.

Relating this to the drama after seeing the entire season unfold and take a bow last Friday, I could not help but think if Yeon is saying this to comfort Sunho. Could it be that having seen too many human years pass him by, he too feels the pain of mortal men and women who get attached to their dreams and ambitions, to position and social class or status and even to the people they love that it destroyed them completely. It must have exhausted him to witness such internal and personal destruction that could only lead to the imbalance of society and the universe at large. Or is he, at this point in episode 1, thinking about the things and attachments that have burdened him for hundreds of years? For how long has he contemplated on the desires of his own heart?

With a finale that seemed to have rushed on a schedule, my questions were not answered. But, this I know, that letting go of things when it has become unbearable can be liberating. But I have to add, that discerning when to let go is the beginning of this freedom.

3. Life and death all but flow in one sweep of justice.

Now, we go to Rang.

Many could not understand Yeon's happy ending and, to this day, a few remain broken hearted at Rang's sacrifice. First of all, Yeon's choice to save Ji Ah is to save the world too. The Imoogi is so evil, he corrupted A Eum to go after Yeon to become the mountain spirit. For the second time around, Yeon is bent to correct this by saving Ji Ah and the world from evil. But Rang, being abandoned by his mother, has yet to grow up and understand what tough love means. It took him a while.

Sadly, the choices he made along the way immersed him further down to evil. Remember, Rang took the side of the Imoogi's cohorts to bring him back to life and deprive Yeon of his happily ever after. What Rang did not see at the time, is the pestilence and malice the Imoogi brings along in its wake. So, we had an amazing run in episodes 11-12 making Yeon the ultimate hero and Rang, the anti-hero we are all rooting for to change for the better. And with this, our own hopes for his redemption and happily ever after.

But in the TOTNT universe, there are deals and there are judgements.

Rang's only redemption is death. His sacrifice was appraised worthy by the Judge of the Afterlife in exchange for Yeon's thus, the elder gumiho brother got his happy ending. Finally, Rang has learned how to love other than himself. This makes life meaningful and, according to the Fates of Korean myth and folklore, such a life is worth letting go of.

I don't think I will begin watching a new Kdrama (one that has been released this year) in the next few days until January 2021. TOTNT resonated with me on many levels. Some scenes, events and characters brought me delight as well as sorrow. For all its inventiveness, TOTNT affirms a personal belief I discovered during my wandering years. The people who brings me great joy are also the sources of my deepest pain.

This makes life worth living.

Rating: 4/5 One of the best of 2020

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 15-16 Finale (1 of 2)

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

We have reached the end of the series. What a journey!

Our love and gratitude goes out to the actors and the production team for weaving a life affirming story, yes, even in Rang's death (more on this later) that is filled with folkloric and mythical elements of Korea. Tale of the Nine Tailed (TOTNT) stayed true to the classic story of old. The innovation and inventiveness in storytelling made the themes of love and family appear new and fresh but it reminded us of the lasting truths and values of our collective humanity in a highly, modern and apathetic world. 

I really enjoyed how the director made use of color and texture, objects in contrast, the panoramic shots and close ups as well as the play of light and shadows to amplify and heighten emotions in particular scenes. The scene where Rang and Yeon were playing Go before their descent to darkness clearly shows the forces they chose to belong in. Rang in black is still under the Imoogi and his cohort's spell as Yeon in white remains the unperturbed Mountain Spirit. As the episodes roll along one after the other, we see Ji Ah and Yeon wearing the same colors of clothes that complement each other. Director Kang surely knows the perfect angles of Lee Dong Wook and where to place the light. Our male lead is radiant and ethereal most of the time. That kiss in the rain in episode nine, we see Yeon waiting for Ji Ah under his red umbrella. Slowly he lifts it up to reveal his face and a ray of light shines through amidst the drizzle.  

Just when I thought TOTNT has given me a kiss that is one for the books, episode 13 has that unforgettable intimate scene with Yeon and Ji Ah fulfilling their dreams and desires. I had to tell myself that LDW and JBA are constructing the reality of lovers racing against time. But Wookie's jugular was a distraction, honestly. Needless to say, it was tastefully made. Slow clap! 

While there are parts I felt were rushed, like the remaining 40 minutes of episode 16 and that part where Yeon met Ji Ah's parents, the pacing and presentation of the visual narratives in mis-en-scene are indeed beautiful to behold. 

I have the same praise for the writing, though I felt the struggle of telling a story filled with plot twists after plot twists had its toll in the finale. They could have worked an additional 30 minutes more to the finale because, the lacunas were plentiful. I just hope there will be a Director's Cut now that Rang's untold stories are out there.

Of LDW's Kdramas, this is the one drama that I can personally relate to especially in its depiction of love and family relationships. I shipped the LDW and JBA pairing right away and fell in love with them all through out the season. I find their pairing mature, sincere and honest. Yeon is a mountain spirit who has amassed a fortune but with Ji Ah, he enjoys the simple things. He wants to be human, to grow old with Ji Ah and to see the light fade from their years together. This increases Yeon's romantic appeal and otherworldly charm. It did not help knowing that foxes are monogamous. I am hooked.

Then, there is Rang played by Kim Bum.  As Yeon's little brother, he brings the sizzle to the entire drama. At the beginning he is the villain but towards the middle, he was able to resolve his issues however, there are just actions he committed in the past that cannot be easily forgiven. He is the wedge to the Yeon and Ji Ah pairing. How Kim Bum portrays this role so well!

And now I go to my overall insights and reflections of TOTNT. This is the first Kdrama I wrote recaps and reviews about so the specifics can be read through the following links:

Episodes 1 -2  - The LDW and Jo Bo Ah ship has sailed!

Episodes 3-6 - The strong folkloric elements are smoothly integrated in the drama.

Episodes 7-10 - That kiss in the rain... It is a masterpiece!

Episode 11 - 12 - Lee Yeon's is the best brother but he is not the perfect boyfriend to bring home and meet the parents. And that is perfectly alright. 

Episode 13 - 14 - The one where we are proven that LDW is still leading man material and JBA is not an overrated actress.

Just three things namely 1) All those little things done with great love encompass the entire universe; 2) Why we need to let go, especially of our attachments and people we hold dear; 3) Life and death all but flow in one sweep of justice.

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 13-14

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

I begin this review feeling afraid for the drama.

I am afraid that TOTNT will end up like TKEM (The King Eternal Monarch). The cast is strong but many of them were left unused and their stories left open with no closure or agreement to the main plot.

I am afraid that TOTNT will service the fans. I am fine with a Goblinesque ending. Bittersweet. Reasonable. Unforgettable.

I am afraid to be disappointed. Yeon has reconciled with Rang. He is bound to take the ultimate sacrifice while Rang remains as the wild card. Ji Ah is turning out to be a better villain than Imoogi. But the main villain is looking like a misplaced K-Pop idol in this fantastic tale of love and vengeance. Come on, guys. Give us a fight!

I am still not over that well directed love scene between Wookie and Bo Ah but I want to see the intensity of Imoogi against Yeon. It is not working. 

So... let us see how Writer Nim and Director Nim wrap up the story and tie the loose ends of TONT.

In case you missed it, here are the links to my reviews and recaps of previous episodes.

Episodes 1 -2  - The LDW and Jo Bo Ah ship has sailed!

Episodes 3-6 - The strong folkloric elements are smoothly integrated in the drama.

Episodes 7-10 - That kiss in the rain... It is a masterpiece!

Episode 11 - 12 - Lee Yeon's is the best brother but he is not the perfect boyfriend to bring home and meet the parents. And that is perfectly alright. 

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Gumiho Episodes 11-12

This took me a while to write. Busy. Busy. Busy. Let's cut to the chase.

Episode 11-12 hits the ground running with Yeon and Imoogi sparring and testing each other's strengths and weaknesses. Yeon definitely knows this Imoogi has evolved somewhat and he needs more than brawn to defeat his brand of evil. Ji Ah has not given up on her hopes of finding her parents so Yeon made it possible. Rang seemed to have turned for the good by working with Yeon weaken Imoogi through depriving the CEO of ground cherries. Shin Hoo and Yu Ri's relationship is a promising story waiting to bloom but the cracks in Granny and Granpa's relationship is falling through the cracks.

Well. Well. Well.

Three things I liked about these episodes are the Rang-Yeon team up, the Shin Ju-Yu Ri dynamic and the Yeon-Imoogi preview of a fight. Two things I am confused of though are Ji Ah's parents being brought back to life and Granny's game.

The gumiho brothers are exciting to watch. I don't know if its LDW or Kim Bim, but their personalities, though different fit each other's. It would be a shame to see which of them die in the end. As for Shin Ju and Yu Ri, I find them on opposite ends that pull each other like a game of tug of war. I wonder if Shin Ju can bring any sense of maturity out of Yu Ri. And then, there is the awakening of Ji Ah's parents. Why can't I suspend my disbelief in their resurgence? As for Granny, I am awaiting the sacrifice she will have to make for Yeon. It seems that she loves him like her own son, a replacement for the one she lost to suicide.

Now after 14 days of no new episodes, I look forward to seeing how Yeon will defeat Imoogi knowing the possible demise of Ji Ah since her blood spilt on the well in the earlier episode. Their romance is already at the heart of the series and everything seem to coalesce towards them be it a brush with danger or an act of salvation from one of their friends and allies. Needless to say, as many people are dying, (Imoogi, you evil brat!), Yeon and Ji Ah carve moments to share with each other as normal couples do. The meeting with the parents, the couple rings, the shoes all point to an impending doom or separation.

As I said, I am ready for whatever will happen in the end. I just hope that if any of my favorite characters die, it is justified.

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 7 - 10

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Studio Dragon, 2020

Written by Han Woo Ri

Directed by Kang Shin Hyo

Tale of the Nine Tailed has six more episodes to go. The series will fold up by the end of the month, more or less. Many fans of LDW and loyal viewers of the series are excited to see how every pieces of the puzzle will all fit together. Questions that sprang up at the beginning of the series are constantly being asked on socmed. Will there be a happily ever after for Yeon and Ji Ah? Is death the ultimate redemption of Rang? Will Granny ever show tenderness to Yeon? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice to defeat the Imoogi? Where are Ji Ah’s parents and how will they factor in the resurgence of the Imoogi if they are ever found?

I would rather take things in stride by watching episode per episode for the next remaining weeks. Like eating my favorite dish, I will enjoy this ever so slowly until the last morsel because LDW’s next drama will probably be in the middle of 2021. A long wait.

So, here are the things I relish from the last four episodes.

The honesty is evident in the dialogues and scenes between the casts of the drama. At times witty, but often straightforward. Shin Ju does not deny his feelings for Yu Ri nor his displeasure for Rang. When he loves, he loves. When he is annoyed, he is annoyed. It is the same with Yeon and Ji Ah. This is a pairing that does not beat around the bush.

By episode 5, they already recognized their feelings for each other. They do not play around or explode into useless drama. There is a bigger force at work and they both know it has to be dealt with. This connection and dynamic were established early on that is why, Yeon was able to reach her in her subconscious when they were both in the realm of darkness. I particularly liked this episode. It is the 9^th episode and I think the writer made use of the folkloric and mythic elements (the red string of destiny, the shadow self, the underworld) quite effectively to show that destiny entails commitment and devotion. The universe has something to do with this, yes, but loving is a lot of hard work. Pinaghihirapan ang forever. Yeon and Ji Ah had to wait for each other.

“I waited for you” is a line that has been repeated three times in the drama. Waiting is no joke. Waiting is a test of character. Waiting requires restraint and self-sacrifice. If that is not romantic tell me what is.

And finally, that kiss they shared in the rain. Slow and tender at first. Then it deepens until Yeon and Ji Ah break for air. Eyes closed and lips partly open, Yeon waits (again!) for her to reach up to him. She does so with eagerness that Yeon meets her passion and reciprocates it with his own. The song reaches the refrain while rain softly falls all around. A fitting closure to the second act.

Episode 10 begins with the Imoogi making a move on Ji Ah. Rang is faced with a difficult choice. Yeon confronts his nemesis. I am hoping it will not take the route that TKEM did. No fan service, please.

Ajooma Reviews: Tale of the Nine Tailed Episodes 1 and 2

Tale of the Nine Tailed, Studio Dragon 2020 

Written  by Han Woo-ri                        Directed by Kang Shin-hyo

• One of the Kdramas that my daughter and I have been waiting for this month of October is Lee Dong Wook's Tale of the Nine Tailed (TOTNT). When the first two episodes aired last week, we were both in awe. She has her reasons and I have mine. Let me break it down to you, my dear reader.

For starters, know that I am a Lee Dong Wook (LDW)fan. I first saw him in essay the role of the Grim Reaper in Goblin and to this day, in my doble vista eyes, he is the most enigmatic and sexy Angel of Death I had ever seen on Kdrama land. We can argue, but let us save our energies for that on another day.

When LDW appeared in the rain with a red umbrella, my heart leapt for joy. It reminded me of Gong Yoo's umbrella scene in Goblin. While other viewers take it as imitation, for me it is an homage. Midway in episode 1, LDW referenced the Grim Reaper since he knows how he is dressed well compared to Granny, the Grim Reaper in the drama. That was a laugh out loud moment. Intentionally done or not, the writer and the director of TOTNT has shown respect for LDW's previous work. The specific scene and dialogue is a recognition of his acting chops and the role that defined his career at the ripe old age of 35. They sure know how to treat and appreciate a senior actor like Wookie.

I promise, I will not leave out elements in my reviews of TOTNT that I find a bit off or downright lame. 

So here we go. What worked for me in episodes 1 and 2?

1. Lee Dong Wook and Jo Bo Ah. 

Who are solid shippers of LDW and Yoo Inna? I am one of the many. But yeodongsaeng, the LDW and JBA ship has sailed. They look good together. JBA looks smart and spunky. It is a good match to LDW's deadpan humor and down to earth personality. The characters they play are even more interesting. Let us see how things go from here, but I am rooting for them already.

2. The depth of the acting of all the characters I have seen so far is superb. There are two scenes that are evidence of the acting chops of the cast. In episode 2, when Lee Yeon freezes the river Sando to bid goodbye to Ae Rum, there was only one dialogue from him. It was a killer. Only their eyes speak of their grief. The camera pans to the Grim Reaper Lady who only closed her eyes feeling their pain. That scene speaks volumes. It ushered in so many questions from their past and countless predictions for their future. 

The second scene is best shown through these stills.

How can these good looking men appear so vulnerable? There is a deep sadness in Lee Rang's eyes. No need for words. The look on his face says it all. Lee Yeon, on the one hand is a deity but he is helpless and at a loss at the forces of the universe. There are rules that even gods and deities could not bend or break. Deals and bets can be made but at a terrible price or consequence. Lee Yeon know this too well.

3. The presentation and discussion of love is nuanced, sensitive and complex. Lee Yeon is weary of the world and yet, he speaks of integrity and keeping his word. He hangs on to finding his one true love but believes in letting go of things that cannot be controlled. His friend could not fathom his old fashioned belief in romance. the happily ever after and respect for rules. Despite it all, he is sticking by him through and through. The owner of the The Snail Bride reminded him that even his show of loyalty to Lee Yeon is called love.

It was a promising premiere, chingu. I cannot wait for the next episode because I look forward to the unfolding of Lee Yeon's intense and complicated relationship, past and present, with Lee Rang. There are many layers to uncover from their conversion by the fishing dock and it would be an interesting to know how TONT delivers the concept of family conflict and the inevitable healing that follows. This is something present in all Kdramas I have watched. Looking back, many of my favorites follow this structure. 

And yes, the ending of Lee Yeon and Ji Ah's romance, be it a happy one or negotiable is worth the ride.

It is still a long way from there, I know. I am keeping my hopes up!