Ajooma Speaks: 2020 was My Kdrama Year (2 of 2)

CLOY has a very engaging story line, though predictable. The amazing actors all look good, well groomed, dressed appropriately to the role and aesthetically compelling. They always match the elaborate background, panoramic cinematography and enticing music of every scene. In most Kdramas, the lead characters’ arc or gradual development is the most exciting part. It seems that everyone is constantly evolving and continuously changing. By the end of the long but engaging series, any ordinary viewer would be able to relate to the endearing protagonist, realize an important life lesson and understand a truth about the human condition. SoKor film makers are good storytellers to combine all film elements in one enjoyable show.

As a fan, I can effectively plot and differentiate each of the Kdramas by closely looking at the theme, characters and their development, problem and solution and ending or closure.

Who would have thought someone like me would be a fan of Kdramas? When my friend learned about my new fascination and leisure activity, she reminded me of that time when she felt alone as she was the only one watching Kdramas among us. I assured her that she now has a fan to talk to about the interesting themes and awe inspiring aesthetics of Kdramas. She looked at me with a half smile on her face and said, “but with you, it was not a matter of if-she-ever-watches-Kdrama-moment. It was a question of when. When will you watch Kdrama? I know you will come around.” With that, we both laughed at the memory.

I was definitely hooked watching Kdramas during the quarantine. The amazing thing is, all four of us - my husband and our two children watch it now. We all have our personal favorites, but it is Goblin that we would re-watch on days when we want to see something epic. We all have our reasons different as they may be, it brings us together. My daughter loves the discussion of destiny and faith. My son enjoys the music and the official soundtrack. I love looking at the scenes. They are visual narratives where I discover layers of meaning that are not expressed through dialogues. As for my husband, he watches with us for moral support.

I love the happy endings, if not the triumph of overall goodness against evil or adversity. I love it because I believe in happy endings, in goodness and in persevering over hardships. I watch it when I want to escape the bad news all around especially during this time of the pandemic. I have to thank my friends for this.

Reflecting more on my fascination with Kdramas, I realize that I learned two things from this experience. The first is to hold off personal judgment and assumptions. The second is to be more open to new things outside my comfort zone. I definitely am learning about Korean culture and literature from watching Kdramas. This is an opportunity to appreciate others and understand their humanity that is common to mine.

Ajooma Reviews: 2020 was My Kdrama Year (1 of 2)

What experience gave you a big surprise that changed your mind and attitude towards an object, an event or a person? Was there a specific event you participated in that made you a believer of some truth or reality? What did your friends push you into doing that turned you into a solid fan of? In my case, it is the experience of watching Korean dramas (Kdrama) since my friends relentlessly nagged me. I had a 180 degree turn after finishing Crash Landing on You on Netflix eight months ago. This is my story of the change, not only in my mind but also of my heart on Kdramas.

I used to think that watching KDramas is a waste of time. Why would I spend an hour watching a telenovela when there are more productive ways to use my time on. I held on to the belief that telenovelas have the same troupes and patterns of storytelling. I have seen one. I have seen them all. But, my friends were bent on making me a Kdrama fan.

My friends at work convinced me that it is the kind of entertainment we deserve to watch. According to her, Kdramas have the aesthetics and production value. Another said that it is worth one’s time and Netflix subscription because the Kdramas offer a new spin or a novel way of presenting a story. In previous years, friends would tell me to watch Descendants of the Sun or Goblin. These Kdramas were highly recommended. I considered their opinions. Well produced series. Aesthetic appeal. A different and unique way of telling stories. I stopped the eye-rolling and listened to my friends.

My first KDrama to see on Netflix is Crash Landing on You (CLOY). After watching CLOY, I finally understood what my friends were saying. Take for example the story line of CLOY. A beautiful rich girl with family issues got lost in North Korea. Blame it on a tornado on the day she went paragliding. She landed on the Demilitarized Zone between NoKor and SoKor. This is no man’s land for Koreans living on either side. Apparently, a captain of the NoKor army who is on patrol found her. At that particular moment, when the two lead characters met, the conflict was established. It posed a lot of questions and because the actors have chemistry, it promised a lot of surprises and discoveries. I was not disappointed. My questions were answered. Though the story was not really new, the telling was. 

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!

Venturing Into Kdrama Land: My Top Ten Takeaways on Goblin: The Lonely Guardian

The first Korean Drama (Kdrama) that I watched in Netflix is Crash Landing On You (CLOY). I enjoyed it. Kinilig ako, sobra! I shipped #RiRi on social media. I clipped photos of Hyun Bin and so far, I have seen two of his Kdramas Memories of Alhambra and Hyde, Jekyll and Me. Yes, I am on my way to being a full fledged Kdrama Ajooma.

If CLOY gave me all the romantic feels, Goblin, on the one hand, reminded me of what love is all about. CLOY is inspiring. It encouraged me to dream and to appreciate the simple things in life. It is an ode to living life to the fullest despite challenges and hardships. Goblin, however, is something else entirely. 

Goblin is epic. 

So, when my Kdrama support group asked my opinion of Goblin, I gave them my Top Ten Takeaways. 

1. No one else can wear a turtleneck the way Gong Yoo does.

2. Lee Dong Wook is the most adorable Grim Reaper ever. I was rooting for him from start to finish!

3. What difference a killer lipstick can do kaya pag gusto kong magtaray in a given day, I should be wearing blood red lipstick!

4. I will take more walks with the hubby when this (pandemic) is all over.

5. I will not wait for a good day or a remarkable moment to eat steak with a salad on the side. Seize the day!

6. I love the official sound track (OST). Bigla kong naisip at naalala ang mga favorite songs namin na naging anthem na ng aming buhay. We should sing them more often!

7. It takes time to forgive. Dumadaan sa proseso ang pagpapatawad. Wag pilitin kung hindi pa ready. Pero wag namang hintayan ang 900 years para magpatawad. 


8. Second chances are precious. Value them like your life.


9. There is destiny and fate, but to achieve forever is hard work. In fact, investment ito, mare! Kaya, mag risk ka at wag matakot.

10. Our God is a generous and loving god. He allows us to live our lives the way we want it. Life (and death) is how we make it. 

Last, there are no new stories under the sun. But there are many ways to fashion them into exciting and engaging narratives. The producers of the recent three K dramas I have seen know this so well. 

To date, I have seen Touch Your Heart, which stars Lee Dong Wook  and Yoo In-na who played the Grim Reaper and Kim Sun respectively in Goblin. Right now, I am watching Itaewon Class, Life and The King Eternal Monarch. I intend to watch more Kdramas in the future!