First Look: The Flower in Prison

In spite of a story about something as desolate as prison and a name as overtly dramatic as Flower in Prison 옥중화, it manages to come across as hopeful and pleasantly engaging, especially after 15-year-old actress Jung Da Bin's appearance, making for one of the rarer moments where I seriously wouldn't mind that she stay on, though it would be weird opposite a much older Go Soo.

Episode 1 depicts the harsh realities of prison. A man and a woman caught meeting in secret are severely beaten until one of their cellmates, Jung Nan Jung (Park Joo Mi), heedlessly confronts the abusive chief. 

As it turns out, Jung Nan Jung is the head mistress of Sosoru, the most famous gisaeng house in Hanyang and she is released shortly after the incident. As a thank you to warden Ji Chun Deuk, Nan Jung extends an invitation to Sosoru, which he heartily accepts.

Somewhere in the distance, a pregnant woman and her companion are chased by men in uniform. Her companion sacrifices his life in a last ditch effort to buy time while the pregnant woman begs anyone and everyone for help.

She collapses into Ji Chun Deuk's arms leaving him no choice but to take her in. Unfortunately, the pregnant woman's injuries prove fatal as she draws her final breath upon giving birth to a baby girl.

First Impressions: Oddly enough, seeing a young Ok Nyeo (Jung Da Bin) go about her seemingly mundane activities is plenty entertaining, converting a cold hard prison into a homely abode. 

Her adoptive family may be unconventional but their quirkiness certainly creates an interesting dynamic with Ji Chun Deuk as the father figure lacking in ways made up for by his sensitivity. 

There is also the renegade scholar serving as Ok Nyeo's literary teacher, thieves that share tips of their trade and female wardens who are both strict and motherly. But of course, Ok Nyeo steals the show as the most captivating character bringing a level of complexity to an otherwise innocent and cheery persona.

I'm a few episodes in and Flower in Prison doesn't seem to be the type of drama that keeps you at the edge of your seat, meaning I don't feel compelled enough to finish all 50 episodes but for what it's worth, it is a decent production.

As for the one-dimensional bad guy who will stop at nothing to kill Ok Nyeo, my bet is that he is her father or uncle because clearly, there has to be some connection there.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 k-drama listing.

First Look: Please Come Back Mister

A story about second chances, Please Come Back Mister allows two people with unfinished business to return to present life.

A middle-aged family man Kim Young Soo (Kim In Kwon) and a former gangster turned chef Han Gi Tak (Kim Soo Ro) both find themselves in the afterlife. The journey takes them from gathering document stamps for heaven or hell to the train express bound for their final destination.

heaven bound train express, Please Come Back Mister

Episode 1 is devoted to showing events leading to Kim Young Soo and Han Gi Tak's death. Although the episode narrates two days of the protagonists' past life, it only takes one scene to paint Kim Young Soo as an extremely hardworking assistant manager of Sunjin Department Store, loving father to Kim Han-Na and lucky husband of beautiful Shin Da-Hye (given that he is only an average looking middle-aged man).

Similarly, only a scene is needed to convey Han Gi Tak's character - tough boss with a big heart. He considers subordinates as brothers and he has a soft spot for first love Song Yi-Yeon. These two characters may have nothing in common except for dying on the same day, but they are also determined to protect their loved ones, setting them on a journey back to present life.

afterlife colleagues, Please Come Back Mister

With rules and consequences unknown to them, they signed the contract that would take them back to earth. Succeeding episodes show Kim Young Soo in a new body (Rain) and Han Gi Tak surprisingly in a woman's body (Oh Yeon Seo). Funny scenes await these two characters but they are also compelled to finish their business on earth in two months.                                                      

First impressions: Although the theme is quite common, the series commands attention by painting a vivid picture of the afterlife. It is a good wake up call, seeing how a devoted assistant manager like Kim Young Soo can end up with a ticket to hell while former gangster Han Gi Tak passed for heaven. Like Kim Young Soo, many lose sight of their real purpose in life, prioritizing work and neglecting family. On the other hand, Han Gi Tak had a good balance of work and personal life, thereby earning a place in heaven.

The protagonists are not your typical leading men with the usual romantic comedy stories. Rather, Kim Young Soo represents the average salary man working to support his family while Han Gi Tak is a feared but well-loved. Nonetheless, the first few minutes of the series does not fail in getting votes for these characters.

Kim Young Soo may have mixed up priorities, but his diligence, sincerity and humility are worth admiring that it is simply easy to root for his character. Han Gi Tak's courage is also striking as he is willing to protect his first love Song Yi-Yeon. These two contradictory characters have numerous things to learn from each other and perhaps it is one of the reasons their paths have crossed.

As Kim Young Soo and Han Gi Tak are given new identities, the series adds more laughter and action to the mix. With the appearance of main characters Rain and Oh Yeon Seo, it is impossible not to get admiring looks from followers.

Although looks can be deceiving, these two characters stay true to themselves and I look forward to see these good looking 'undercovers' in action.

You can rate now rate this drama in our 2016 k-drama recommendations.

New identities, Please Come Back Mister

First Look: Warrior Baek Dong Soo

Warrior Baek Dong Soo may seem like your typical historical drama but throw a killer star, a warrior camp and an assassin group into the mix and it becomes an action-packed affair for the martial arts enthusiast.

Episode 1 begins with a narration of events, starting with Crown Prince Sado’s (Oh Man Suk) valiant display of defiance against his enemies. The act though emboldened led to grave repercussions such that Sado’s subordinate, Baek Sa King faces the death penalty along with three generations of his family.

On an open field somewhere in the distance, Sword Saint Kim Gwang Taek (Jun Gwang Ryul) is intercepted by a grungy swordsman named Chun (Choi Min Soo). The two exchange banter like old friends until they engage in combat with a mastery of skill that definitely counts as badass. The fight ends in a standoff but not before Chun declares that this time around, he wins.

As it turns out, it was because Gwang Taek was rushing to save Baek Sa King. However, Noron leader Hong Dae Joo warns that doing so will place a target on Sado’s back instead because either way, they will have blood. 

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Baek chooses to sacrifice himself and leaves his wife and unborn child under the care of Kim Gwang Taek but alas, it seems as though the odds are against them.

First Impressions: I came here because of Jackpot and it is proving to be well worth the effort. Although Warrior Baek Dong Soo has a flair for tragedy and gore, the story is fleshed out in a manner that is thoroughly engaging. 

Within the first episode alone, I wanted more. I yearned to see the unborn child turn into the man who will right all the wrongs and I wanted the underdogs to win.

As an avid wuxia fan, I appreciated the k-style sword fighting and relished the cheesiness of it all, from Sky Lord and Earth Lord to the quintessential background music that completes the mood.

It is a heroic journey in the making and no matter how dire the circumstance or how unfair the injustice, Gwang Taek and his band of friends stand strong. I wouldn’t mind more of that especially if it means more of his swaggering nemesis Choi Min Soo and his own band of assassins. 

Last but not the least, episode 2 introduces a teenage Baek Dong Soo (Yeo Jin Goo) and Yeo Un (Park Gun Tae) to kickstart the coming-of-age story of Warrior Baek Dong Soo.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see popular historical kdramas.

First Look: The Royal Gambler (Jackpot)

Not to glorify the trade but gambling as a sub-genre in film has always been a personal favorite of mine, exuding a distinct flair that can make the simple shuffling of cards hypnotic. 

The Royal Gambler 대박 combines varied themes together with gambling, a battle for the throne and a hero with abandonment issues tightly written into a story set in historical Joseon. Yes, I am all in, pun intended.

Episode 1 begins with a preview of Lee In Jwa's (Jun Kwang Ryul) revolt in 1728, then a flashback to the man who wanted to stop it from happening. Baek Dae Gil (Jang Geun Suk) and his teacher, Lee In Jwa, play a round of chess metaphoric of their respective stances on the nation. Lee In Jwa is willing and able to sacrifice every man for the throne while Baek Dae Gil values the people above all else.

Their dialogue escalates to an outright challenge by Dae Gil daring Lee In Jwa to slay him, if he can. Their guards engage in a three-way sword fight, ultimately ending in a standoff. 

What a tease because we rewind to another time in 1693 where Lee In Jwa arranges for the low-born wife of a destitute noble to win the heart of a king.

First Impressions: The action sequences have swag, akin to a choreographed dance accompanied by a musical score to complete the mood. Neither Dae Gil nor Lee In Jwa batted an eyelash throughout the fight, which made for a very cool scene that can be admittedly cheesy, yet I thrive for moments like these

Sad as I may, the main cast had to be pushed aside to properly explain the reason behind an abandoned prince. We are introduced to this drama's version of Dong Yi's love story with King Sukjong and the veterans' acting prowess do not disappoint. 

Having seen Jun Kwang Ryul in other dramas (most recently Son's War), I expected as much but I actually failed to recognize the actor playing the king. It took a quick googling to find that the he is none other than Choi Min Soo from 1995 hit k-drama Sandglass. No wonder I hear good things about Choi Min Soo because he is intense.

Choi Min Soo as King Sukjong brings forth such a commanding presence that I had to take notice. He is kingly, no doubt about that, but tinged with an erratically sinister aura fit for a man who has the world at his feet.

Frankly, I don't buy the setup revolving around Lee In Jwa's masterplan to puppeteer King Sukjong into falling for Bok Soon (Yoon Jin Seo), which was overly presumptuous. "On the third breath, his soul will be yours," what? how? why? Nevertheless, the story must go on and I'm looking forward to the main cast's appearance in next week's episode. Watch on Viki.

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

First Look: Remember - War of the Son

Remember - War of the Son is about a son's unwavering resolve to save his father and it doesn't get any more personal than that. 

Episode 1 begins with a man helplessly dragged to his own execution, which turns out to be just a nightmare but one that suggests an impending reality. 

Seo Jin Woo (Yoo Seung Ho) represents the man on death row and their exchange of words indicate that it is not their first meeting. Seo Jae Hyuk (Jun Kwang Ryul) is incarcerated for murder in cold blood, yet he does not have the slightest recollection of committing the act nor does he recognize the man standing before his very eyes. Flashback to events leading up to the present and we have the makings of an epic drama.

First Impressions: The story is compelling and the stakes are high. I was pounding my fists at the injustice because to exploit a man's already fragile memories is beyond low. This could have been an emotional rollercoaster by delving into dementia alone, but no, that's not depressing enough.

Clearly, the baddies lack a moral compass, yet at the helm is a psychopathic brat who has nothing going for him other than the fact that he is born to the right family. Yes Nam Goong Min can act, embodying a truly despicable human being with a warped sense of entitlement.

The first few episodes are gut-wrenching as Jin Woo's world crumbles. His desperate attempts at fighting back are crushed by men that have too much power with the only consolation being the overused trope of possessing genius abilities to tip the scales every so lightly.

I never understood the hype around Yoo Seung Ho and twisted as it may be, I only watched Son's War to justify crying foul over its towering ratings compared to my current fave, One More Happy Ending.

Needless to say, I was wrong because it is well-made, well-acted and if it follows through, it could certainly be something great.

Park Sung Woong deserves special mention as well after being a veteran supporting cast all too often. I am seeing him in a new light as Park Dong Ho, a character that has many layers, rough on the edges but oozing with charisma, and those suits are a winner!

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

First Look: Jang Yeong Sil

Strip Jumong of his bow and arrow and we're left with Song Il Gook headlining another historical Korean drama as the astronomer Jang Yeong Sil 장영실. Though I have to admit that plot-wise, the story about an accomplished scientist doesn't even come close to Jumong in terms of appeal.

Episode 1 opens with a frail and aged Jang Yeong Sil (Song Il Gook) trudging across the field in anticipation of a solar eclipse. Given that the drama begins with a preview of the end, I'm just glad that the protagonist survived long enough to reach such a ripe age; as is NOT the case in so many dramas. 

Flashback to a young Jang Yeong Sil who is but a wide-eyed slave boy thirsty for knowledge and eager to make a difference. His earnest curiosity repeatedly gets him in trouble and sets the stage for an impending love triangle as he earns the wrath of the young master (his cousin by blood) and gains a friend in Princess So Hyun. 

Jang Yeong Sil was almost being beaten to death at one point if not for his father's intervention. The father-son dynamic is unexpectedly heartwarming as Jang Yeong Sil's father is a man of noble birth, wise beyond his time and uninhibited by the constraints of social class, thereby openly accepting his son Yeong Sil despite the fact that Yeong Sil is born of a gisaeng (an entertainer akin to a prostitute). 

The resemblance between the two is undeniable and their bond instantaneously made stronger by a common penchant for astronomy. Unfortunately, his father's attempts at including Yeong Sil only ostracizes him further, creating discord among the Jang household. 

The episode ultimately ends in a tearful but joyous moment when Yeong Sil and his father catch a spectacular view of the elusive solar eclipse yet with a sense of foreboding, I go on to the next episode.

First Impressions: Yep, things pretty much hit the fan from episode 2, thanks to a certain someone who left. With all that talent and no opportunity due to his lowly stature, Jang Yeong Sil is relegated to live life as a slave and his ill-fated connection to the Jang household only puts a bigger target on his back. Needless to say, it paints a very dreary picture for our hero and I predict a long and difficult journey ahead.

The historical period is an interesting one revolving around Lee Bang Won's rule as King Taejong (coincidentally the main character from Six Flying Dragons). Yet instead of political conspiracies comes a focus on the importance of astrology in the Joseon era where the palace officials frantically chase a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse and the like. There has been an enormous amount of stargazing, calculating longitudes and latitudes and frankly, it's a bit hard to rally behind the supposed frenzy over the stars and the moon.

Song Il Gook appears towards the end of episode 2 and he captures the aura of crazed overly-passionate genius quite well but a 44-year old actor playing a teenager has got to come across as cringe-worthy on some level. 

If you like epic historical dramas coupled with science lessons, you might like this though it reminds me of a traditional k-drama that parents tend to watch - no flower boys and plenty of old men (ahem veteran actors), which should translate to an emotionally satisfying journey provided the writing stays strong. 

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

First Look: One More Happy Ending

One More Happy Ending takes a fresh approach on an existing concept to inspire something extraordinary. 

Episode 1 begins with a fairytale ending that is shattered to pieces when the heroine files for divorce, depicting a harsh but pragmatic reality regarding the extremities of a man and a woman post-marriage. 

The newly-available husband gallivants around young women while the newly-single mom is left with two kids, barely enough alimony, not to mention a deteriorating figure from child-rearing and one too many wrinkles, spots or both.

As the CEO of a matchmaking agency, Han Mi Mo (Jang Nara) has made a name by specializing in such cases but she is also a 34-year old divorcee excitedly anticipating a proposal from her boyfriend of two years. To which her friend and confidante Baek Da Jung (You Da In) warns, "You never know until the ring is on your finger."

Mi Mo and Da Jung were part of the k-pop group Angels that disbanded in a chaotic rumble when Mi Mo finally had enough of Seul Ah's bad attitude. Seul Ah (Sandara Park) went on to become a top Korean actress while the remaining members left showbiz for good. Now that the group is in their thirties, the drama will revolve around the 4 ladies and their relationships or lack thereof in Go Dong Mi's (Yoo In Na) case.

First Impressions: How often do you watch a trailer thinking yes, yes and yes! Whoever made the drama's teaser is pure genius because it showcased what so far the first couple episodes have proceeded to confirm (bdw, there's a music video too). 

Casting was spot on with Jung Kyung Ho, Jang Nara, Yoo In Na and many more but of course they had to top it off with cameos from Sandara Park (2NE1) and Kim So Yeon. 

If you have seen Jung Kyung Ho in Smile You, you'll know that he can do comedy, and do it incredibly well. He's one of those actors that can portray your average joe that's sometimes awkward, unintentionally funny yet somehow manages to come across as totally swoon-worthy at the same time.

Jang Nara doesn't even need an introduction since romantic comedy is undoubtedly her turf. I usually could care less about the ages of the actors and actresses but this is one where the main characters are really in their early thirties making the drama more genuine and heartfelt.

I must say, Jang Nara has never looked this good in a k-drama. From Audrey Hepburn glamour to runway fashion, her styling is amazing and she looks great, truly deserving to be called a baby-faced beauty.

Honestly, the plot wasn't all that interesting to begin with but it's the execution that's a winner, throwing in a farcical k-pop group and adding in all the quirky bits and pieces that make k-dramas so addictively appealing. 

What should have been a sad, down in the dumps love story turns into comedy gold that's honest to the core yet all in good fun. Is it for everyone? Probably not because it does lean towards the female demographic but you never know until you try.

One Happy Ending is getting trampled by Son's War and Six Flying Dragons in the daily battle for ratings but I really wish people would watch it since it deserves so much better. But then again, I watch Son's War too.

For synopsis,cast and ratings, see 2016 k-drama listing.

First Look: Shine or Go Crazy

Anyone who has seen their fair share of Korean historical dramas would know that these dramas usually revolve around a cursed prince or princess or twins who will be cast away to live in exile until their eventual return as an adult.

Shine or Go Crazy is one such k-drama where Prince Wang So (Jang Hyuk) is born during the night when the Star of War was at its brightest. His birth precludes him from having the privileged life that all royalties are accustomed to and for fear that he will bring forth more chaos and destruction to the palace, Wang So is sent to the mountains to fend for himself.

Years later, the King sends for Wang So reaching out for his help in making a great Goryeo empire that is free from the control of the nobles. The King has found a way to change Wang So's fate via an arranged marriage with a lady born of the North Star. Wang So adamantly refuses and his pain from being abandoned all those years come pouring out in a wave of resentment directed at his father. 

Their meeting is disrupted by a group of assassins and despite everything that has been said, Wang So readily comes to his father's defense. The King narrowly escapes with just a scratch, yet Wang So earns a slap from his mother, the Queen who wants him immediately out of her sight. Determined to track down the perpetrators, Wang So leaves peacefully. 

Wang So and the King's faithful guard follow the group of assassins all the way to China where through an unexpected chain of events, Wang So finds himself in a contract marriage with Shin Yool, a Korean merchant living in China who was desperate to fake a marriage in order to escape an aging general's marriage proposal.

First Impressions: I'm beginning to understand the dynamics within the royal family. The benevolent father king is actually good despite having sent his son away and the mother queen is irrationally misguided for pushing all the blame towards her younger son Wang So.

I almost gave up watching halfway through the episode. The fight scenes were subpar and the plot a repeat of every other period drama out there and don't get me started on Oh Yeon Seo's atrocious wig. As for the acting, I notice historical dramas tend to be different in the sense that it requires actors to over-enunciate their lines but Jang Hyuk was emoting on a whole other level that was way too exaggerated for my taste, which is weird given that I absolutely loved him in Volcano High and many other dramas.

Nevertheless, I powered through and I'm so glad I did. The latter half of the episode was devoid of drama and it showed me what this k-drama can be, which I think is better off focusing on the romance between Shin Yool and Wang So. Their meeting was quick - he was put in a bag and voila, their married. 

Oh Yeon Seo's character as Shin Yool is quick-witted, capable and looks like she's pretty lucky herself, which is just the perfect balance needed to pair up with Wang So's unlucky streak and his uncouth, foul-tempered ways. And Wang So's infectious laughter, it bothered me so much but now it's beginning to grow on me.

For synopsis, cast and other info, see 2013-2015 k-drama recommendations.

First Look: Cheese in the Trap

There must be a hidden meaning behind the title but I'm a cheese lover anyway so I'll take it for what it is. Cheese in the Trap is a 16 episode TvN drama based on a much-loved webtoon. Even though I haven't seen the former, I think this might be one where the TV adaptation manages to live up to the hype.

Netizens initially had strong opinions over the casting of Kim Go Eun who is relatively unknown in k-drama land despite snagging multiple awards for her acting skills. Now that the first few episodes are out, I think everyone is in agreement that she deserves the crown. On the other hand, Park Hae Jin, the lovable second lead in You From Another Star, plays her leading man as the enigmatic college senior. I doubt anyone objected to that.

Cheese in the Trap had me grinning from the first few seconds. Hong Seol's drunken shenanigans peaked my interest and I wanted to know why she was pointing an accusatory finger at the seemingly-innocent Yoo Jung. 

Episode 1 revolves around the madness that comes with registering for classes on the first day of school. Hong Seol (Kim Go Eun) is your average university student and she has systematically planned the perfect class schedule and secured a seat in Professor Han's class as a surefire way to keep her scholarship. 

Yet on the first day of school, Hong Seol is appalled to learn that someone maliciously used her student account to drop Prof. Han's class. The biggest suspect turns out to be none other than Yoo Jung (Park Hae Jin) who has done nothing but smile sweetly at Seol. Nonetheless, the Sherlock in Seol tells her that there is something amiss behind that friendly facade.

First Impressions: I like how Seol's character can be so plain awkward yet adorable at the same time. I look forward to seeing the budding romance between the two leads especially since Yoo Jung is clearly making an effort to pursue Seol. The episode flew by in the sense that I didn't feel any minute was wasted, even Seol's friends Eun Taek and Bo Ra were hilarious (ahem, the classroom scene).

But then again, I confess to getting occasionally swayed by Seol's conspiracy theories. What if her often unfounded cynicism towards Yoo Jung turns out to be true? The appearance of siblings Baek In Ho and Baek In ha already foreshadows a backstory behind the mysterious Yoo Jung. Is this actually a thriller and not a rom-com? Is Park Hae Jin the cheese and Kim Go Eun the mouse to be trapped?

For the latest best K-drama recommendations, click here.