Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food: Episode 1

   

I think it would safe to say that Noona will be servin' up some delicious romance, coz one episode in, and the leads are already oozing with undeniable chemistry. The set-up itself is more along the lines of a classic romance rather than, let's say, your average fluff. It's an easy watch, but not in the way that seeks to patronise its viewers. It wouldn't be for everyone, that's for sure, especially if you're the type who despises the "slice of life" category, which I guess it is in some ways, but not in others. I mean I certainly can't remember the only time last time I was chased by some handsome chap who's not only waaaay younger, but who also happens to be the kid brother of a close friend I grew up with. And even if that does happen to be the storyline of your life (lucky you?!), I don't think the same would apply to the vast majority of us. We can sure dream though, especially when that relationship starts out as sweet and playful as Joon-Hee and Jin-ah's. They're simply too adorable for words! 

Just Between Lovers: Episode 2

This drama would be hard to sell as exciting; well, because it isn't...at least not in the dramatic sense. But what I do find it to be is incredibly moving. The way in which characters are made to cross paths in the aftermath of a single tragedy is particularly engaging, especially when you see how they have all been individually affected. It's a slow unravel, for sure, making for a slower pace than your average Kdrama; which admittedly, may not be to everyone's taste. But that is what I love most about this drama - it doesn't tease its viewers, or make us grow impatient, nor does it seek to gratify us using superficial developments, rather it takes us along on this long journey, assured of its destination, and through it, we get to appreciate the process of healing, not as a quick fix, but as something which takes years, if not a lifetime of commitment, as seen through the lives of these various characters.

Just Between Lovers: Episode 1

There's something so poignant in the way this drama depicts pain and suffering of loss, that by the time the first episode had ended, I found myself fully immersed in the world that it had set up. When watching, it's as if personal tragedies are given a narrative voice of their own, which is being spoken through the lens of the camera in the way scenes are directed and shot. And whilst the drama has proven to be visually stunning, it doesn't take away from the grittiness of the tragic reality it seeks to convey. The drama has often been described as a "melodrama", and I went into it thinking it would be just that; however, what I wasn't expecting, was for it to be the opposite. Yes, like with any drama, there's always bound to be a dramatic pull to the narrative, but the way in which the drama has been executed, it tames down those dramatic cues, and effectively mutes the overly exaggerated cliches one would expect from your average melodrama. I guess one could call it a drama that is grounded in realism, fairly dark and pessimistic, but one that is also aesthetically pleasing - and it's this very contradictory nature that I find most appealing for it doesn't leave you in a constant pit of despair, rather it engulfs you with a resounding sense of hope that even after hardship, there comes ease.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju: ep15 - That's how you become an adult

No matter how many times I re-watch this episode, the weight of the angst never diminishes - tears automatically come crashing down the moment Joon-hyung's face crumples into sadness and despair. If episode 10 belonged to Bok-ju, then this one was most definitely Joon-hyung's - it's a lovely, albeit sombre, reversal which shows how Bok-ju has his back just as he had hers during times of difficulty.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep14: This woman in my woman

First love can be hella awkward! Especially if you're new to a lot of the feelings it evokes - in Bok-ju's case, jealousy, insecurity and embarrassment. But it's damn refreshing how those feelings come to the surface only to have Joon-hyung embrace them all as qualities his finds most endearing in the woman that he loves. And in his eyes, ain't no finer woman than Bok-ju, whom he's only too happy to claim as his own.

이 여자는 내 여자 다!
                          - Joon-hyung

Tae-kwon: She eats so much....and is too strong!
Joon-hyung: What's wrong with that!? I find her even sexier because of that.
Me: Preach it, Joon-hyung!! *fist bumps air*