Wi Ha Joon

Review: The Midnight Romance in Hagwon

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

Some viewers think that this show is brilliant, with its spotlight on the Korean education system, and the effect that it has, on all the players, including students, parents, and teachers.

Other viewers feel that this show is boring and slow-moving, and not worth their drama hours.

Still other viewers think that this show had flickers of promise, but ultimately didn’t live up to that promise, because it was inconsistent in its thematic focus.

I’m in the third camp, just so you know. But really, the only way to know whether this one will end up working for you, is to give it a try.

My advice: You’ll likely know pretty early if you love this one. If you don’t love it right away, better to walk away early, than try to make it work. (Take it from someone who’s been there. 😅)

Continue reading →

Review: The Worst Of Evil

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

Not as dark as typical crime noir, and yet, definitely darker than your average kdrama, this show sits in a pretty niche space, in terms of its appeal, I imagine.

It’s gritty, violent, bloody and full of moral dilemmas, and at the same time, it’s also laced with a kdrama sensibility, with some very recognizable tropes in play.

Ji Chang Wook and Wi Ha Jun are two big reasons to give this one a try, and I thought they both did well, in their roles.

I personally found this much more watchable and engaging than I’d first expected, and I don’t even really gravitate towards crime noir.

I think that if this show works for you, it’ll really work for you – but if it doesn’t, you’d probably not like it very much, and the only real way to find out, is to dip a toe in. 😅

Continue reading →

Review: Little Women

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

There are a number of ways to approach this show: as a modern adaptation of the novel by Louisa May Alcott; as a mystery-thriller; as a dark commentary on socio-economic inequality.

However, I find it most effective to approach this one as a stylish makjang, because I feel that that’s the lens that gives me the most enjoyment, of this show.

Show is darkly atmospheric and consistently intriguing and twisty – and it’s all pretty engaging and satisfying, when viewed with a makjang lens.

Our cast is strong across the board, with our primary cast putting in great performances, but I have to confess to being most fascinated by the deliveries of Uhm Ki Joon and Uhm Ji Won, and to being most dazzled by Wi Ha Joon’s very handsome face. 🤩😁

Overall, adjustment of expectations is a must – and very worthwhile.

Continue reading →

Flash Review: Shark: The Beginning [Movie]

| kfangurl

I do have a soft spot for underdog stories, but to be completely honest with you, the main reason I was interested to check out this movie, is because Wi Ha Joon plays an MMA champion in this.

A chance to see Wi Ha Joon being a skilled badass? YES PLEASE! 🤩

Ok, but as a bonus, this movie works out to be a solid underdog story, so it does have more merit, than simply having Wi Ha Joon play an MMA champ. 😁

Psst: Link to watch is at the end of the review!

Continue reading →

Dropped: Bad And Crazy

| kfangurl

So.. 7 episodes in, I’m officially calling it quits on Bad and Crazy, you guys.

For the record, I don’t think it’s a bad show, necessarily. I just don’t think it’s a show that’s for me, personally.

I hope this post helps you to figure out whether this one’s for you, or whether, like me, you’d be better off investing your drama hours elsewhere.

Continue reading →

Review: Squid Game

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

A very compact, impactful little series, Squid Game is the show that you can’t help but check out, even if you’re typically not into the death game genre.

Show is very expensively and carefully produced, and is the kind of drama where, the more you dig, the more little gems you tend to find, in terms of hidden details and added layers of meaning.

In my estimation, beyond Show’s shiny packaging, there are two key things that draw audiences in, namely, 1, the characters and their backstories, which are effective and engaging, and 2, the themes and ideas Show serves up, which tend to be deeply thought-provoking.

It lives up to the hype, in my opinion, and is worth a look, even if just to satisfy your curiosity.

Continue reading →

Dear kfangurl: Who are your favorite supporting actors – and will they ever get to play lead??

| kfangurl

Beez writes:

Dear Kfangurl, Are supporting actors too funny to ever cast as leads?

I keep waiting for my favorites – Park Jin Joo, Kim Seul Gi and my all time favorite, Kim Sung Oh to be part of an OTP or at least a single lead in their own dramas. I’ve seen all of them give snippets of really moving scenes so their acting talent is not in question. What gives?

And phl1rxd writes:

I would love to see an article on your favorite supporting actors|actresses.

There are so many that pop up in our drama world all the time, and while they are not the leads, their work is great none-the-less.

Continue reading →

Review: Romance Is A Bonus Book

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

A noona romance that isn’t actually all about the romance, and yet, it works, and so well too.

While I don’t think that this would sit as well with a younger audience, I do feel like this would resonate well with a slightly older audience, particularly if said audience is female.

Show takes the premise of a divorcee’s struggle to re-enter the workforce, and makes it come alive with poignance and heart, while managing to slip a charming noona romance in there, to sweeten the whole experience.

A capable cast and a lovely OST round out this drama’s strengths, and I also wanted to say, Lee Na Young is extra incandescent to my eyes, as our female protagonist.

Not a show that would work for everyone, but if it works for you, it works so well. <3

Continue reading →