Style/스타일

Genre: Drama

Language: Korean

Lee Seo Jeong enters into the fashion world, when she wants to become a journalist. She quickly realizes that just writing skills won't get her far, as she discovers the cut-throat world of a fashion magazine. Park Gi Ja, the boss at "Style" magazine, is a cold and career driven women, who never removes her heals and never shows any weakness. Add an evil sponsor, the "nice guy", and a chef gone chief, and you have Style.

Will SeoJeong become the editor she dreams of becoming?

Who will take over Style magazine when sponsors begin to pull out?

Review:

Style had it's heels pointed in the right direction, but took some bad turns. Dubbed the "Korean Devil Wears Prada" I could see it, and I enjoyed watching for the most part, but I don't think I could watch it again. It took me quite awhile to warm up to Lee Seo Jeong....I just found her to be rather frustrating at times. Ryu Shiwon's character made no sense whatsoever to me, either. One minute he was nice, the next he was angsty, the next in love, and the next emotionless, I couldn't understand any of it. There was a few glimmers of hope though, mainly through Park Gi Ja, Kim Hye Soo's character. Kim Hye Soo did a phenomenal job, and made someone you couldn't straight out hate, and that you grew to love. Some episodes I quite enjoyed, however the rest seemed like a strange mishmash of odd side plots.

I would say watch it, if you like Park Gi Ja and her, "Do it with edge!" as she basically carries the drama. I would wait for her scenes as she was the one who made it interesting.

It has some good moments, but others just fall flat.

Egao no Hosoku/Always Smiling/笑顔の法則

Genre: Comedy/Drama
Language: Japanese

While on her way to a job interview, in full kimono, Kurasawa Yumi bumps into Sakurai Reijiro. This chance meetings ends up with her becoming his assistant. He is a comic book writer, about to move into seclusion at an "onsen" a.k.a. hot spring. This drama is about the inn they stay at, and all that happens within.

Will love spark between Yumi and Reijiro? Or will the owner's son interfere? How will the inn staff react, when goonies start pressuring the owner to sell?

Review:

I watched this one through rose-colored glasses, as I am a fan of Abe Hiroshi (the main fellow). However, now that I think about it, it was a tad boring and slow. Abe Hiroshi's character wasn't actually all that interesting, almost....awkward? It's defined as comedy, but I can't think of any funny parts that stick out in my mind... The romance didn't play a big part, either.

Basically it's an average drama. However if you like Abe Hiroshi, it's bearable.

I know I enjoyed it, as I finished it...but like I said,

I have no special memories of this drama.

Boys Over Flowers/꽃보다 男子

The classic Asian drama story of a poor girl,

who falls in love with a rich boy

...or two....or three...

Genre: Romance/Drama
Language: Korean

Geum Jan Di ends up attending an expensive, upper-class school, after saving a boy from committing suicide. While there she meets the F4 (flower 4) a.k.a the leaders of the school. They are known for giving anyone they don't like a "red card" which spells out ostracization and bullying from the rest of the school. She revolts against the strange system, and in doing so she stands again Gu Joon Pyo, the prince of princes. Oddly it causes him to fall in love with her, but her heart is unsure.,..

Will they be able to overcome their problems such as his evil mother?

Or will they be separated forever?

And who does her heart truly belong to?

Review:
Note: This will not be a comparison between the Japanese and Korean versions. They are too different, and it would take up too much space....and I haven't yet seen the Taiwanese version.

The cast as a whole did well. To be honest, in the beginning I wasn't very impressed, with Kim Hyun Joong *though I've loved him since "We Got Married"* but he improved significantly. As his character evolved, so did he, and became my favorite character.
His looks improved too, wait for the hair-cut, it's worth it.....
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I though Goo Hye Sun really portrayed her character well, although I found her character a little...바보-ish...but not her fault, the scripts.
I remember commenting,
"I could be the actress for Geum JanDi, I'd just flop over and close my eyes"
...she faints/collapses/is drugged/drunk(ed?)/...etc for half the show :P.
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Lee Min Ho pulled off the character of arrogant/stupid/loveable prince perfectly. Enough said.
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The rest supported well enough. I found Lee Min Jeong a little annoying, but that was her character... I wasn't sold on the whole Kim Bum/Kim So Eun love story....
I also wasn't very impressed with Kim Bum, nor Kim Joon. One part in particular was when Kim Bum plays the Saxophone...knowing the basics of a reed instruments means you have to fold your bottom lip under... seems easy enough, but when he played it was like he had a sucker in his mouth....
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..I have to say this, "I hate the amnesia story-line!"
I didn't like it in the Japanese version, nor this one. *sigh* I guess they were just trying to follow the manga....

Drama, drama and drama again. What girl couldn't like this drama? 3 good-looking guys(won't mention the 4th of the F4...) and a story every girl wishes she was a part of. Of course I was sucked in, it's nature. However I'm not going to lie, it's repetitive, and it gets to be a bit much. But I digress, it's a good watch,
Chickflicky? Over-the-top? Maybe...Love Triangles/Squares? Happy Endings? Evil Friends? Romantic? Of course!

This is a favorite and a classic.

Wonder Girls: The Wonder Years

Since the Wonder Girls are growing some recognition in America

(thanks to the Jonas Brothers)

I figured now is as good a time as ever, to review their first "full-length" album.

Currently they are touring around North America with the Jonas Brothers.

I'm not a fan of the Jonases,

but their preteen crowd is probably the most receptible to a more "cute" girl band.

Wonder Girls Hwaiting!

Title: The Wonder Years
Artist(s): The Wonder Girls

Genre: Pop

Released: September 13, 2007

Language: Korean

Review:

This album contains many hits, from "Tell Me", to "Irony". I prefer the electric "Headache" or pop-y "이 바보" finding them stuck in my head more than anything else. Though there are ballads, they aren't the main focus. The whole album has a bit of a "club" feeling. The strong off-beats give a very hiphop pop feel (heard particularly in "Move").

Has a fun feel. I'd recommend it.

"Tell Me" MV with Subs

Courtesy to View3045

Attention Please/アテンションプリーズ

Genre: Comedy
Language: Japanese

Youko is a tomboy/rocker-chick, who finds herself at a where she needs to choose her path for life. Youko wanted to confess her love, but he left on a to the big city before she could. She begins job hunting, and decides to go to a Flight Attendant interview, and somehow passes.
So this drama chronicles the ups and downs of her training, plus a smidgen of romance.

Can Youko really become a put-together, and gentile "Cabin Attendant".

Review:
Hmm typical Japanese quirky humour? Is that what I'd call it? I didn't mind this series, not a favorite though. I mainly found it interesting to see what the training for an air stewardess' job is. The main girl is a little....annoying? Exasperating? A little too "Ganbarimasuse" ?

If you're interested in the life of a Flight Attendant, then sure watch this. If you like overly perky, slang-using heroines, then watch this. If not, then...don't watch this drama.

아빠셋 엄마하나/Three Dads One Mom

This ones a keeper! ☺

Genre: Comedy/Romance
Language: Korean

Sung Min wants to provide a baby for his wife, Na Young, but finds it difficult to do. So he, secretly, asks his three closest friends to donate their sperm. They originally agree, but eventually beg him not to use it. During all this drama, Na Young becomes pregnant, but before his friends can makes sure he didn't use their sperm......he gets into a car crash and dies. A pregnant Na Young has to depend heavily on Sung Min's friends, even moving in with them, but what will happen?

Will she fall in love with one of them?

Which one is the true father?

Will Na Young ever find out about what they did?

Review:

I just finished this drama last month or so. I loved it. It is actually pretty funny, and the romance is there too. (Normally I hate kids in movies...but this kid is too darn cute! Plus she doesn't talk, so it's the perfect baby-combo!) The three main guys are each special. You, as the viewer, are actually torn between which one she should go for. I admit I predicted the ending, however it did have me guessing a little to the end. It really looked like they were going to have her end up with a certain fellow....

This is one of my top dramas so far! Too cute! Funny and Romantic!

Starts out a little slow, and I was a little frustrated with the actions of the lead female, but she evens out after a few episodes.

Besides, how can you say no to this face? Ha Seon-Ah~♥

Traditional Music + Kpop = ?

Sorea is an awesome group that does renditions of Kpop with tradition Korean instruments (and some modern ones too). From the BigBang/2NE1 synthpop "Lollipop" to the girly pop of SNSD's "Gee".

This is their latest, of SNSD's newest single "Genie/Tell Me Your Wish".
Not only do they sound great, they look like they're having a blast ^-^.You can find them at www.soreagroup.com and on youtube under, you guessed it, Soreagroup.



You can watch the original SNSD MV here.

As a bonus, here is a medly of Super Junior's "It's You" & "Sorry, Sorry" (which I featured on here before)
Two of my favorite songs, of late.

Alex - My Vintage Romance

I bought this CD for my mother (as a Mother's Day gift)

as she loved Alex in WGM.

it wasn't just for me to listen to...kinda
I ordered it from YesAsia, which was prompt,

and it arrived in good condition.Crazy Fact:
알렉스 used to be a sushi chef from Vancouver, before he debuted in Korea.

Title: My Vintage Romance
Artist: Alex Chu

Genre: Ballad/Jazz
Released: June 13, 2008

Language: Korean

Review:
Ah... Ever since I heard him sing on, "We Got Married" I've been a fan of Alex. This album is a great one, his songs just melt together. Smooth, is how I would describe this CD. It describes the songs and his voice perfectly. It's mainly laid-back (lounge-y?), with it's fair share of ballad-esque stuff. Though there is the odd rap song mixed in. Some of the more mellow ones might mush a bit in your brain, but it's good stuff.

Highly recommended.

Here is the MV for 사랑하오 (I Love You)
Follow it to the end, it has an interesting switch.


(I have a few more CD's from this order, so look forward to it :)

Proposal Daisakusen/Operation Love/プロポーズ大作戦

(I'm Back :)

Genre: Romance/Drama
Language: Japanese

Iwase Ken realizes, only too late, that he has feelings for his best friend, Nagasawa Masami. On her wedding day, just as the slideshow starts at their reception, everything freezes! Iwase Ken discovers that the angel, of the church, will give him a chance to go back in time. He can go back to the pictures in the slideshow, and change the endings, so that they are happier. He does his best as he goes through the pictures, from highschool to college.
But can Ken really change the past?

Review:
Hmm I liked this one. Didn't love the lead girl, thought she was a little...too needy? However I'm a Yamapi fan. It is rather...drawn out though. However there are some heart-warming moments. The whole idea is at least a little original. The angel is pretty funny too. "Hallelujah Chance!" fuufuufuu....

Last year in Japan, I started to watch the Proposal Daisakusen Special....however I was dead tired (like most nights) and had to go to bed :(. It was a lot tougher without subs too...I later watched the Special back home, it wasn't the best...>_>;

My Little Chef/マイリトルシェフ

Genre: Comedy, Food
Language: Japanese

Kamosawa Seri is a gourmet french chef (it runs in her blood, her father was a gourmet as well until he lost his sense of taste.) She decides to move to the city, and allow her talents to flourish. She ends up opening her own restaurant.

This shows the story of her and how her food helps the people that come to her cafe.

Review:
Hmm this is a cute series. I remember finding it a little slow however. As well the lead is...a little wooden? Maybe its just with her more introverted, character personality. Nevertheless each episode pretty much follows the same lay-out, we get introduced to the customers, and their problems. Then it ends with her cooking amazing food, the story behind it, and resolving the issue. The food always looked so neat!

Not bad, it also has Abe Hiroshi (although not Comedic...)

Not a fav, but it isn't the worst that's for sure.

Super Junior Sorry Sorry Sorry

Oh stop your crying, I know did two posts in one day. Think of it as a treat, since I'll be gone for two weeks.

Have this song stuck in my head now. Guess that's what you call a good hook, right?

Not a huge Super Junior fan. Although I follow Kang-In on WGM.

Stupid Ear-Worm ;)

My Girl/마이걸

Genre: Romance/Drama/Comedy
Language: Korean

Joo Yoo Rin is, sadly, in a difficult position. Her father has racked up debt, and she is now being chased my money collectors. She helps herself to an abandoned house, but is soon discovered by the rich owner Seol Gong Chan. He eventually asks her to pretend to be his long, lost cousin.; as his grandfather is in dire straits.

How will things end up when Gong Chan starts to fall in love with Yoo Rin? Especially since his best friend, Seo Jung Woo, is also in love with her! Plus he has a girlfriend already! Who will Yoo Rin choose, and will their trail of lies catch up with them?

Review
Wow, another fabulous drama. I really liked this one....almost better than Full House (which is saying something.) It falls into a few pitfalls, like other dramas, such as some predictability. However it really isn't too bad! It doesn't drag things out unnecessarily either. I remember at one point expecting it to really milk something for episodes to come, but it was resolved in-episode. Finally! A drama with a little common sense! I admit the last few episodes disappointed me a bit, : ( drawn out more then I expected. The last episode seemed....hmm....strange. However I was content when it finished, cute, simple, the end.

I highly recommend this. Watch this now! pali!

Rookies/ルーキーズ

Wow, this post was a pain! Had to re-write it all out after an attempt at embedding the soundtrack failed....

Genre: Drama, Baseball
Language: Japanese

Koichi Kawato is an, always, optimistic high school teacher. When he arrives at his new school he discovers the remnants of the old baseball team. Now it mainly comprises of a bunch of bad kids who smoke, and do other delinquent-y things; since being suspended from playing baseball because of initiating a violent attack against an opposing team. Koichi becomes determined to return the baseball club back to its former glory.

He teaches the kids how to never give up, and to fight for their dreams!

Review:
This is actually quite a good drama. (Although I'm probably a bit biased xD) A very feel-happy, empowering, style drama. You get sucked into it, even if you aren't into baseball :P. You grow to recognize the faults, and strengths of each member of the club. Plus Koichi, despite being optimist, isn't an idiot (most of the time)! Bonus!

Even just the theme song brings back such warm memories. (Kiseki by Greeeen. for your information)I watched this last summer with Rei, my host-sister, and it reminds me of our time together. We watched the drama series in a week, only 11 episodes, and fully enjoyed ourselves (It was also the first, and essentially only, time I ever used bit-torrent too....)

Watch this. I hope you end up with good memories of it too. It has a pretty satisfying ending from what I remember.....I admit, I had to watch the last two episodes without eng-subs. However.... I understood most of it, just horse-guy's Japanese threw me :P.

Plus...Shirota Yuu is in it too....♥....>_>;

Random Fact: Greeeen, the artists that sing the theme song are all dentists (or in school to become one), and have never shown their faces before to the public. Weird eh?

ドラゴン桜/Dragon Zakura

Genre: Highschool/Comedy/Drama
Language: Japanese

Sakuragi Kenji became a teacher as a last resort. He used to be a lawyer, but hadn't been making enough to get by. So he decides to boost his prestige, and that of the school's, by producing 5 successful Toudai, a top university, applicants. However the school he works with has some of the lowest scores in all of Japan! How will Kenji turn these kids around?

Review:

This one has a few stars in it when they were younger, like Yamashita Tomohisa, and Koike Teppei. This is an okay drama. Not too long either, 11 episodes. I basically love anything Abe Hiroshi does, and he did well in this, as he does in every show...although lately all he does is historical drama :-( I prefer his comedy..... Anyways, the actual story is okay, and has some good moments in it. The ending is a little disappointing, but I'm sure you've caught my negative feelings towards Japanese drama endings.

I think this would be interesting for someone to watch. Mainly because Abe Hiroshi is in it. If you like other Highschool Dramas, you probably will agree, that this is just "okay". See it for yourself. It's been a few years since I saw it :)

마녀유희/Witch Yoo Hee

Yes....I am actually early for once in my life!

(Expect the universe to collapse soon...)

Genre:Romance/Drama/Comedy
Language: Korean

Ma Yoo Hee is a hardened business women,( a witch according to her employees) but she craves emotional attachment. She often goes on blind dates, but is rejected for her cold demeanour. One day she meets Chae Moo-Ryong, who ends up owing her a large sum of money. To repay it he becomes her love coach...and housekeeper. Their relationship helps Yoo Hee's inner qualities shine and she blossoms. However how will her life end up when she catches the attention of an old flame? Who will her heart choose?

Review:
This is another really good kdrama. I liked the leads, and they did well. Wasn't as cliched as most, and was truly enjoyable. Sure there was a few tedious love strands in the beginning, but those were smoothed out. The change that Han Ga In, Yoo Hee, portrays is really lovely. Plus I loved most of the fellows in this. Apparently this was one of Dennis Oh(neil) 's first shows in Korean. Sure...his "okay" in English, and other English phrases got annoying...but his face made up for it ;). I also get bored by too much, conflict not enough happy...so getting closer to the ending was a little tough for me. However I wasn't really antsy until the last episode or so.

So basically, this is another keeper. Not too long either, a reasonable 16 episodes.

ハケンの品格 / The Pride of the Temp

This may look suspiciously belated, however I did write half of this last night, I just finished it today :P.

Genre: Comedy

Language: Japanese

Oomae is a killer worker. She makes big bucks, despite only being a temporary worker. She has some quirks though, she follows the clock exactly, and refuses to work overtime. She also never works anywhere longer than 3 months. She isn't exactly a friendly co-worker either, but she is extremely efficient. This entails her time working in a new division, with rooky "salarymen". Can she overcome and educate those with prejudices again temps?

Review:
This was a okay comedy. Nice to not have a typical main character with flaws, and clumsy emotions. Oomae is a little overbearing at times, however I enjoyed her. Sure the romance was uncalled for, but expected. I'd recommend this if you're looking for a break from all those fluffy romance comedies. This one is simply about a weirdo. A nice breath of fresh-air. xD I admit I was expecting a more tragic back story. Ah well we can't always get what we predicted (although it seems to be the way the jdrama world works).

Starbucks Berry Chai

FAILED

Yesterday I went to the "big city", and did some shopping.
Before we left, we stopped at Starbucks,
one of my favorite places in the world. <3>I normally get a chai, green tea, or strawberry frappucino.
However I decided to take a bit of an adventure,
and asked for aBerry Chai, it was one of the newest items on their list.
You can have it either iced, or warm. I wanted it as a frappicino,
but apparently that was just not possible.
So despite the chilly winter weather, I still went with the iced drink.
(I can't drink hot liquids well...ever since I was a child I've had a fear of burning my mouth...odd I know. To this day if I do drink hot chocolate, or the like, I wait for it to cool to almost a lukewarm temperature.)

...It wasn't very good.
(My mom told me to stop drinking it, otherwise I would get sick! xD) I did drink about half of it though. Both flavors separate were okay,
but mixed....it was pretty strange.
The first sip was yummy *mmm berry juice*,
then you got hit with the spicy Chai..*...what is this?!*.

Chai is meant to be with sweet milk, and spices....Berry Juice...makes milk curdle.

Reminds me of another time when I took the plunge, and tried aChocolate-Raspberry Frappicino.
(I think I just get decision anxiety waiting in line; having people behind me, so that I make rash and stupid decisions.)
That beast was probably one of the most awful drinks I have ever swallowed.

Any bad drinks you've ever had? What were they?

ヒミツの花園/Hanazono's Secret

Genre:Romance/Comedy
Language: Japanese

Tsukiyama Kayo is a magazine editor, or at least that's her title. In reality she is stuck being a "gopher" (go for this, go for that). One day she gets the chance to interview a famous manga artist. However, she once again is stuck doing errands for the assistants, to the artist. Finally she reaches her wits end, and discovers that they aren't really assistants at all! The famous mangaka is comprised of four brothers. As she keeps their secret, and helps them, she discovers more about herself and who she loves.

Review:
Wow...I watched this one awhile ago. I'll try to remember ;).
Basically it's not bad for a Japanese drama. Obviously there is the predictable predictability, but there were some good times too. I didn't recognize any of the actors at the time. I recognized the youngest brother, but I haven't watched any other series with him. I did remember Maya Miki, from "Attention Please"...I should do a review on that....A "maa-maa" movie, as in that it won't make anyone's top 10 list probably.

Final word: if you're looking for a drama that has some typical elements, but with new actors, try this out. I enjoyed watching it; I just don't remember anything special from it really, proving it to be rather forgetful.

1%의 어떤 것/ 1% of Anything

(I know I'm a day late...pretend this is from last week please -_-;)

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Language: Korean

.

Kim Da Hyun is a sweet, and upright teacher. Lee Jae In is a hard-working business man, but has a short temper. After Da Hyun kindly assists Jae-in's grandfather, it starts the wheels turning. For Jae In to receive his grandfather's vast inheritance he must marry Da Hyun. As the story progresses you watch their interesting romance. Along with the romance of Jae In's cousin, and Da Hyun's sister. Then near the end there is one more couple to come, with Jae In's sister, and his best friend!

How will these couples survive, with opposition from all sides.

Is it possible, for people with such different backgrounds, and personalities really find happiness together?

Review:

I had read mixed reviews on this drama. Some people loved it, others found it too drawn out. I admit I think that this drama did not need the whole 26 episodes it presents. Perhaps I'm just too used to short Japanese dramas. Nevertheless I found it was draggy, and each new couples didn't hold much of my interest. I could put up with Tae-ya, Jae-in's cousin, and his girl. (Although I admit Tae-ya is pretty boring...) However when they added the third couple, only like 3 episodes from the end...I admit thinking, "enough is enough!". All 3 couples had the same problems, just with less and less character development per couple. If this had just stuck to Jae-in and Da Hyun, and ended a bit sooner it would have been better.

My final word is, if you're looking for a long drama, this is a pretty good one. Sure it gets draggy, but the middle isn't too bad. The main actors/couple do well though.

YesStyle 6 of 6

Website: YesStyle
Brand: Click South Korean Brand
Price: $25.20
Quality: 2.5/5
Review:
Everything I bought from YesStyle, besides a pair of shoes,
were "One Size" (as in, hopefully, one size fits all Asians ;)
Everything fit me, except for this. I mean, I wear it, yes,
but, it's huge. When I first wore it to school my friends
they commented on the rather...over sized nature of it.
In the photo of the model above, it appears to be
fitted to an extent, not super huge or anything.
However on closer examination (just recently)
I noticed those weren't pleats, but wrinkles!
I was duped by wrinkles... and possibly clothing pins to make it look better on the models...
Anyways, I'm finding ways to wear it, I accept it's bagginess,
however it wasn't what I imagined. More...like a sack.
If only this could have shrunk in the wash xD....