Scarlet Heart: Ryeo coming soon

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo 보보경심: 려 is the 2016 k-drama adaptation of the popular c-novel by Tong Hua, which made waves across Asia due to the 2011 Chinese drama starring Nicky Wu and Liu Shi Shi.

Beneath the political power plays and time-travel is a captivating story about love where reigning k-pop idol IU takes the lead as the charming and intelligent heroine with Lee Joon Ki as her valiant prince. 

Lee Joon Ki's delicate features earned him the nickname minam aka beautiful man and there's more handsomeness to go around with Kang Haneul and a string of pretty boys joining the mix to complete the remaining princes of Goryeo. It is literally a feast for the eyes, but Scarlet Heart carries a great story requiring great acting so I really hope the cast delivers.

Kim Kyu-tae who is also behind the success of That Winter, the Wind Blows takes the helm as PD and the drama will be produced in its entirety prior to airing. Given the record-breaking success of another pre-produced drama called Descendants of the Sun as well as the craziness around Korea's live-shoot system, I say amen to that.

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is slated for a simultaneous release in Korea and China on Aug 29, 2016. I have no clue whether the k-version can ever come close to the former but naysayer or not, I simply cannot wait!

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 kdrama listing. 

Source: EntMSN, Naver, Xinwen83133

Review: Dream High

Plot Summary: Go Hye Mi (Suzy Bae) aspires to be an opera singer but due to financial troubles, she sets out to audition for a spot at Kirin Art High School instead. She meets a group of students with similar goals and we are taken through their journey towards reaching their dreams.

Comments: Part of my 2000-2014 best k-drama listing, Dream High 드림하이 is the answer for k-pop and k-drama lovers out there since it ingeniously combines both genres to make k-drama gold. If you want to watch a feel-good romantic comedy and be thoroughly entertained in the process, I highly recommend Dream High.

There was a time when I was oblivious to k-pop and it would occasionally catch my attention whilst playing in the background of some drama. Being Korea's version of Glee, Dream High doesn't disappoint with a selection of k-pop hits as well as renditions of other popular songs that had me humming for days.

As expected, the cast was mainly k-pop idols with 2PMs Taecyeon and Wooyoung, Miss A's Suzy, T-ara's Eunjung and solo artist IU. The only actor from the bunch is Kim Soo Hyun (You From Another Star), and he was one of the best decision they ever made. 

Dream High is a short 16 episode k-drama that's simple but sweet and at the heart of it is the characters. Each of them had their own struggles to overcome be it family issues, attitude problems or personal insecurities but they still come across as likable and relatable. Besides, who doesn't love an underdog? It was also one of those rarer moments in a k-drama where I wasn't sure who would end up with who but I'm glad they wrapped up the ending in a nice and pretty bow.

My Ratings: Must-watch (5/5)

Dream High OST:

A Part of This Dream - San E
Maybe - Sunye (Wonder Girls)
Dream High - Taecyeon (2PM), Wooyoung (2PM), Suzy (Miss A), Kim Soo Hyun and IU
Someday - IU
Winter Child - Suzy Bae (Miss A)
My Valentine - Taecyeon (2PM)
Dreaming - Kim Soo Hyun

Goose Dream cover by Suzy (Miss A)
Only Hope cover by Suzy (Miss A)
Genie cover by Suzy, IU, Kim Soo Hyun and Taecyeon

For more k-drama recommendations, check out:
2016 best k-dramas
2015 best k-dramas