IRIS - Best Korean drama ever!!!!!!!!

Photos & Synopsis - Asian Media Wiki

Two elite National Security System (NSS) agents, Hyeong-Jun (Lee Byung-Hun) and Sa-Woo (Jeong Jun-Ho), who were sworn blood brothers, both fall for fellow agent Seung-Hee (Kim Tae-Hee). Sa-Woo attempts to suppress his feelings for Seung-Hee and wishes the couple the best.

Hyeon-Jun is then sent off on a solo mission to Hungary. In Hungary, Hyeon-jun accomplishes his mission and while in escape mode becomes wounded. Shortly later, Hyeon-jun finds out that he was betrayed by fellow agent Sa-woo. Seung-Hee attempts to help Hyeon-Jun escape, but a car explosion separates the two and both are misled to believe that the other person are dead. Hyeon-Jun is then saved by an unknown voice and learns of the secret society "IRIS".

One year later, Hyeon-Jun returns to Korea to seek revenge. During this time, the two Koreas are set to reunify, while the group "IRIS" are intent on stopping the reunification.



Those who know me, I am very picky and selective when it comes to watching Korean dramas. I hate sappy, lovey-dovey stories.

I was hesitate to watch Iris first because I found it was a drama, not a movie. However, I thought, why not? It has T.O.P. I love Big Bang.



Oh. My. Freaking. Goodness. From the first episode, I was hooked!!!!!

Going into watching Iris for T.O.P., I came out a Lee Byung Hun fan!! For those who do not know, he is in the Hollywood movie, G.I. Joe.

On top of that, the first ever female girl crush from any movies/dramas is Kim Tae Hee. I love her character! She is gorgeous and strong. Love how she stood by her man and didn't fall for anyone else!



The other supporting casts were great too. Kim So Yeon had the better character/role but it was Hyeong-Jun & Seung-Hee's love that conquered it all for me.



I must watch again! That's how much I looooove it!!! I don't think I could love any other dramas as much as this. I was not bored at all with any episodes...and that's rare.

Kdrama - Iljimae (2008)

Synopsis - DAddicts
Photos - DAddicts & Sevenses

Set during the Joseon Dynasty, Yong acted as a hooligan in the marketplace by day but at night he was a thief who robbed corrupted government officials to give to the poor. After each robbery he left behind a painting depicting a plum tree branch to make his mark and was thus named Iljimae. His main purpose was not so much to rob but to search for the owner of a specially designed sword which he saw as a child was used to kill his father, a loyal subject of the emperor. Eun Chae is a government official's daughter who despite her upbringing has a lot of empathy towards the poor. She met Iljimae by chance and couldn't help admiring him for what he stood for even though she had never seen his face.

Since I am a Lee Jun Ki fan, I've been waiting for this drama to be released. Besides that reason, the synopsis is very interesting. The trailers to the drama had martial arts. This looks like a case of a Korean Robin Hood on the lose!

Lee Jun Ki is one of the Korean actors who I will watch almost anything in. Honestly, when I first saw him in My Girl, I was not impress with his looks. With his femine looks, I was turned off. However, his character and acting made up for that. Then when I saw him in Time Between Dog and Wolf, I was so in love with him. He's just toooooo adorable!!! Just like in Time Between Dog and Wolf, he was just as charming. I was very excited to see Lee Jun Ki as Iljimae. Lee Jun Ki's character goes through different name changes throughout the drama. Not only is he the masked Iljimae, he grew up with the name, Kyum , and later is known as Yong.

I've never seen anything with Park Shi Ho so I was curious to see him. I find him good looking and having a nice body. His character is very intense, which makes me fall for him. He goes through so much and gets confused with who he is. Ironically, his character's name is Shi Ho, just like his real name. Growing up as a beggar then realizing he has noble bloodline, never once did he have it easy.

Han Hyo Joo plays the beautiful Eun Chan. With such a kind heart, who wouldn't fall in love with her? Even though she is born into a rich noble family, she never lets that overshadow who she is. Since childhood, she has loved Kyum and believes he is dead. Her half "brother" Shi Hoo secretly is in love with her. She does show sympathy towards him since he was raised as a beggar. Fasinated by Iljimae, she starts to fall for him.

Lee Young Ah plays Bong Soon. As a child, she has been traumatize with everyone in her family being killed. By chance, she meets Hyum twice when they were younger. However, they got separated. When meeting each other again 13 years later, Hyum is now Yong. Yong and Bong Soon have a love/hate relationship. The cute, sassy, loud-mouth Bong Soon is witty and manipulative. Later she learns who Yong is and falls for him.

Watching the first episode and 15 minutes into it, I saw Iljimae and then him unmasking himself and Lee Jun Ki! Yah, I was so excited. Then there are flashbacks of his character as a child. So now I will get to see how he became Iljimae.

Towards the end of the second episode, you get to see Lee Jun Ki again. I waited and waited and waited....when is he going to be Iljimae? When is it going to happen?

Disappointing....I have no problem with the script introducing his life before he decided to be Iljimae. My problem is how long it took to show him as Iljimae.


Come on, this drama has 20 episodes!! You wait until halfway to finally show this? There were so many lose and unnecessary pot holes in the story. To make it worse, the dvds I have had awful, very awful English subs! My kids and I were watching them and they were so confuse with what was going on!!!

Honestly, I am tired of the "sibling" love. Creepy to me. Half siblings having feelings for each other. Even if they're not related, they've grown up in the same household and/or same parents and having those feelings. I think I'm going to pass on Kdramas for now. Still love Kmovies though. In conclusion, yes, Iljimae is very disappointing. Sad cause it looked promising but didn't follow through.

Kdrama - One Fine Day (2006)

Synopsis - Drama Wiki
Photos - Google

After Seo Haneul (Sung Yu Ri) lost her mother in a fire, she was later adopted by a wealthy family and experienced a life of many twists and turns. Seo Gun's (Gong Yoo) father had married an unwed mother, thus making Seo Haneul his sister in the eyes of the law. After their parents passed away, Seo Haneul was adopted by a wealthy chairman of a large organization who has also became a gangster. Upon using Haneul to extort money, Seo Gun and Haneul slowly fall in love with each other.



Wait a minute? Why did I watch One Fine Day? The next Kdrama I suppose to be watching was going to be Iljimae. Instead I chose to watch One Fine Day. Gong Yoo. That's the main reason. Since he's currently serving in the military right now, I was missing him for some reason. Plus I found him looking extra yummy from the movie stillls and YouTube links I saw before.



When watching the first episode, I was hooked. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. However, I was let down with the middle episodes. Overall, the drama is worth watching. But -- a huuuuuge big but!!!! -- storylines of love triangles and "sibling" love are so overplayed in Kdramas. That's what made me say NO to watching them in the first place. Slowly but surely, my friends tried to get me to watch Kdramas. I need more Kdramas that is similar to A Time Between Dog and Wolf and My Name is Kim Sam Soon. Iljimae definitely fits that description. Instead I was too focused on Yoo Gun's good looks and overlooked it. Another drama that has been recommended to me is Green Rose.



Another problem I have with Kdramas is with so many episodes, there is some level of suspense built in. However, in the last episode -- it's alwayas the LAST episode -- I feel it's rushed. You'll see so many months or days that have passed, you see nothing. Then all of a sudden, that person is waiting for the other person all those years with NO contact.



Sung Yu Ri has natural beauty and is adorable. Her character highlights that and emphasizes her obedience and love for being adopted. She yearns for her real brother to find her as he promised. I have never seen her in any other movies or drama and was quite astonished to find out she was part of the once-then girl groupie, F.I.N.K.L -- Lee Hyori rocks!



Lee Yeon Hee is in love with Gong Yoo's character. He has been living with her family since he was a child. She has a heart condition and her heart only belongs to him. Never did I realize that Lee Yeon was the same girl in A Millionaire's First Love. She is too cute and I love her character.



Nam Goong Min plays Sung Yu Ri's boss, also known as "team leader." He is the kind of guy who you want to take home to your parents cause he's very understanding and loving. But for some reason, you just try to love him but you can't.



Yoo Ha Joon plays a creepy character. He is the "brother" of Sung Yu Ri and is obsess with her. Interesting enough, a tidbit - rumor that they are/or were actually a couple in real life.



Maybe I'm impatient and that's why I prefer movies over dramas anyday! For me, Korean movies are the best in the Asian industry. Nevertheless, One Fine Day is worth watching for the Gong Yoo's acting, hot bod, and loveable character. Everyone acts very natural in the drama. Just like friends and family members, as much as they will annoy you, you will still love them no matter what. That's how I felt with every character in the drama.

Kdrama - The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (2007)

Synopsis - DramaWiki
Photos - Soompi

The life of Go Eun Chan (Yoon Eung Hye) is not easy; she works many jobs to pay off debts and even gave up her feminine image. Choi Han Kyul (Gong Yoo) is the heir of a big food company, but his grandmother wants him to settle down, so she arranged many dates for him. After Eun Chan bumped into Han Kyul and was mistaken for a boy, Han Kyul decided to hire Eun Chan to be his gay lover in order to avoid the arranged dates. Desperately in need of money, Eun Chan had no choice but to accept. Han Kyul's grandmother also made Han Kyul in charge of a filthy coffee shop in danger of being bankrupt. Eun Chan begged to work at the coffee shop, and not long after, feelings start to spark, except, how would Han Kyul accept his "homosexuality"?

I heard a lot of positive reviews on this drama. My friends keep telling me that I will like it and it's "different" from a lot of Kdramas. So I figured, why not watch it, right? Plus it has Gong Yoo. I wasn't a fan of his when I first heard about Coffee Prince but after watching She's On Duty and S Diary. Hech yeah! I'll watch Coffee Prince!

Gong Yoo is just too adorable. He is definitely on my list of favorite Korean actor. His character is very likeable. I love the fact that his character Han Kyul accepts Eun Chan as she is. My only problem is his sexual preferences. Before you jump on me, let me explain. Sure Han Kyul doesn't know that Eun Chan is a girl but he has feeling for "him" - he thinks she's a guy. He kissed "him", held "his" hand, cuddled with "him." We all know that he's really a girl but if she really wasn't a girl, would you think differently? He was unsure of his own sexuality. Other than than, I do like the fact that he's sweet. Playing the guy who gets chosen to run the Coffee Shop and bring it back to business, Gong Yoo just melts my heart.

Yoon Eung Hye is just so cute. I couldn't believe that this former pop star from the group Baby VOX could pull off a tom boy! She reminds me a bit of Bhumika Chawla (Indian actress) - the big chubby cheeks, slim body and their big buck teeth. She kinda annoyed me a bit in the movie but I can see why she did what she did. She needed the money. (A lot of these girls in Kdrama need money, huh?) Pretending to be a boy, Eun Chan worked at Coffee Prince to make money for her mother and sister. I just wish she would've just told Han Kyul that she was a girl! It was driving me nuts! I guess she had to do what she had to.

I'm convinced Gong Yoo is a good kisser. That boy sure can kiss! Plus I'm liking him more and more each time I see him. I'm just sad that he's in the military right now. Come back soon! We won't see him until December 2009.

I want to see Yoon Eung Hye in Goong, Princess Hours because I read she did a good job and want to see her more girlie.

She really is sooo cute in real life.

There are two other main characters in the drama along with Gong Yoo and Yoon Eung Hye. Lee Sun Gyun plays Choi Han Sung, Han Kyul's friend/relative. Chae Jung Ahn plays Han Yoo Joo, Han Sung's girlfriend. To make things confusing, Eun Chan liked Han Sung from the beginning. Han Sung was heart broken when Yoo Joo left him. Han Kyul used to like Yoo Joo but never got the chance to tell her and it was too late for him and she hooked up with Han Sung. When Han Sung finally started to like Eun Chan, she ended liking Han Hyul. Confusing? Watch it!

There was a short story on each of the members of Coffee Shop. Kim Jae Wook plays No Sun Ki who is speaks Japanese when he's pissed and is looking for a mystery woman. Lee Un plays Hwang Min Yeop who is in love with Eun Chan's younger sister. Kim Dong Wook plays Jin Ha Rim plays Han Kyul's loyal friend.

Coffee Prince is definitely worth watching for laughs. It's not my favorite drama but made me love Gong Yoo even more.

Kdrama - Time Between Dog and Wolf (2007)

Synopsis - DramaWiki
Photos - Soompi

Lee Soo Hyun is adopted into Kang Min Ki's family because his parent's were murdered by gang memebers. They both grew up to become NIS agents, brothers, and best friends. Suh Ji Woo and Soo Hyun, who knew each other from childhood, are accidentally reunited when the beautiful Ji Woo caught the attention of playboy Kang Min Ki. She and Soo Hyun are separated once again because of Soo Hyun's vengeance against his parent's enemies.

When I first heard about this drama, I was very excited because (1) Lee Jun Ki is so adorable and good looking in this drama, (2) it's an action drama (sappy love stories bore me), (3) some shots were filmed in Thailand (did I tell you that I love that? I was born there!).

I love Lee Jun Ki's character in My Girl but wasn't happy about his metrosexual looks. Thank goodness he cut his hair off! He's looking sooo adorable. I'm excited to watch more dramas and films of him now. His character Soo Hyun wants revenge which he played it very well. When he cried, I cried. I mentioned about his martial arts skills and he shows it off even more in Time Between Dog and Wolf. When he kicks, I love how flexible his legs stretch and kicks.

Nam Sang Mi is a pleasure to watch. I want to see more films/dramas with her. I actually went to look her up. I couldn't believe she was in She's On Duty, Spy Girl, and Too Beautiful to Lie. She's one actress who looks different and plays totally different roles! Love her for that. What I also love about her is she isn't super skinny like most Korean actresses are. She is slim with muscle tone. So far, she is the best dress Korean actress on screen that I've seen. Maybe because her character Ji Woo is rich.

Jung Kyung Ho is good at his role. I first saw him in Gangster High. His character Min Gi loves Jin Woo too. Why does there always have to be some kind of love triangle. And on top of that, with siblings? Oh well. Gotta to create some drama, right? It kind of bothered me that he kept pursuing Ji Woo with him being a flirt which was shown at the beginnig of the drama but once he realize that Ji Woo didn't care for him and was more interested in her childhood friend, he wanted her more.

Time Between Dog and a Wolf is a must see. The first episode keeps you on the edge of your seat and you have to watch the rest! It's not your typical Korean drama. Most dramas aren't action packed. Like all dramas, there will be some parts that drag. Lee Jun Ki - you won my heart. Nam Sang Mi - you're close enough to becoming parts that drag but what do you expect with watching 16 episodes? I do have to complain about the ending because I wanted it to end differently. Definitely worth a one of my faves!

Kdrama - My Girl (2005)

Synopsis - Drama
WikiPhotos - Hancinema

When Gong-chan (Lee Dong Wook) meets the lively and beautiful Yu-rin (Lee Da Hae), he finds out that she has connections to his missing cousin, who his grandfather has been searching for a long time. He asks Yu-rin to lie about being his long missing cousin until he can find his real cousin. She says yes, but soon their feelings for each other get in the way of their plans. Gong-chan's friend Jung-woo (Lee Jun Ki) falls for Yu-rin while Gong-chan's ex girlfriend, Seo-hyun (Park Si Yeon), a pro tennis player, tries to win him back. Will the two ever tell each other how they feel? Will Gong-chan ever find his real cousin?

My Girl is another Kdrama that I absolutely adore! My Girl has been getting rave reviews in Korea. First of all, it has my hottie Lee Dong Wook. Yah! I get to see him again. I love him even more because of his character Gong Chan. What I love about Wookie is seeing him from Arang to My Girl was a total transformation in his characters. He can act! Plus he looks good with or with out stubs, long or short hair. I find him sexier with rugged with stubs. Gong Chan was a bit metro sexual but overall, I love how sweet, humble, and kind he was. Love how he took care of Yu Rin.

Lee Da Hae is cute. However, I hated her tacky clothes in the movie. She's a very skinny girl and wearing tight pants/jeans didn't do justice to her. Plus the two ponytails made her character more silly. Yu Rin was annoying at first but started to become likeable. For example, in the beginning because what motivated her was money. She was doing stupid stuff like staying in the guest house and picking up the fruits to sell them as her own.

When I first saw Lee Jun Ki on screen, I was like "Oh my goodness, he looks like a girl!" I love his martial arts move which impress me. The long hair still got to go!! Thank goodness I saw him in A Time With Dog and Wolf later. Whew! Despite his girlish look, I still found Jung Woo so adorable. I love how he cared for Yu Rin so much that he was willing to let her go to Gon Chan because he knew they both loved each other inside.

Park Si Yeon was a bit annoying in the movie but I can see why. She wanted her man back! Her fault for choosing the love of tennis over the fine Gong Chan! For some reason, she has a bitchy look to her. Hate her smile.

The storyline was not the best but I love the flow of the movie. Ending could've been better but overall, a must watch. If anything watch it for Lee Dong Wook. Hottie!!! Definitely worth your time.