It has been a while since I posted. Covid hit my life like a cyclone spinning all the different components out of place and even now as things settle, it is just not the same. We are all adjusting to the "new normal"... whatever that means. I imagine work in particular has worn me down quite a bit and I am tired of thinking and talking... especially if it is about Covid. Compound that with the kids all growing a little older and our two girls reaching adolescence, my heart is lamenting how the parent-child relationship has changed. The challenge has made me emotionally exhausted.... but more on that in another post.
So what do I want to write about if not about Covid or parenting? I decided that I'll throw in a post about KDramas. It is the one piece that got thrown into my mix during Covid that has been a fun distraction and escape. With that said, it is only a temporary and fleeting reprieve. Scripture is still the only true sustainable fuel that fills my empty mental and emotional tanks. I need to remind myself of familiar passages such as:
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:3 New Living Translation)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:28 NIV)
Now a little about my momentary diversions... here are a few dramas that stood out to me. For diversity, I'll pick from different genres.
This is a lighthearted romantic comedy and since it is one of the first KDramas that drew me in, I have to mention it. The chemistry between the two main leads is cute and they ended up dating for real afterward, even getting married and expecting their first child. Furthermore, the soldier sidekicks were hilarious and added an important element. I ended up rewatching it with my kids, who also really got into it. The contrast of everyday life that was illustrated between North and South Korea was what made this drama unique.
The beautiful cinematography, superb acting, and gripping storyline all consumed me during this watch. The back story of the three male leads and their roles were so cleverly woven together, it left a lingering impression. The love story was subtle but pulled at the heart. This drama was engrossing and deep and caused me to think about it for days even after finishing. I even got my mom hooked to watch it. There are definitely more graphic violent scenes so I did not show this to my kids.
If you like a little bit of scary mixed in with humor and romance then this drama is a must-watch. I generally do not like horror movies but this drama has just enough humor in it for it to not be categorized as a true horror movie. It is more of a fantasy romance with a fascinating storyline that had me on the edge of my seat wondering how it was all going to end. There was only one scene where I had to plug my ears and peek through my fingers to watch... (the closet scene!) Finally, I have to mention the music because the soundtrack for this drama is exceptionally moving.
This drama is back to a bit more lighthearted and fun but throws in some kick-butt action and mafia scenes. I actually really like lawyer shows and this is one of several that I've enjoyed (maybe because I'm in the medical profession, I don't really like watching medical shows). What stood out to me was the humor and action. There is a bit of violence and gore in some of the scenes but just as how Hotel Del Luna was not an outright horror movie due to humor, I feel this is not just an action movie due to the humor. There is a tinge of romance but I feel it was not the main draw.
This has become my new favorite KDrama and Ji Sung has become my favorite Korean actor. He plays a character with dissociative personality disorder and displays seven different personalities remarkably well. The storyline is captivating and this is a drama I will want to rewatch. However, it is not on Netflix. You can watch it on Viki if you get the Viki Plus Pass or on Kocowa which is free but has a lot of interruptions with advertisements. Hoping it will come to Netflix soon.
Well, that is it for now. I'll post something more useful later. Maybe...
