Mr. Sunshine, 6 Flying Dragons, Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung

 And let's watch Historical Shall We! When you say Historical or Historical with Fiction it means this drama will slightly give you a glimpse that the ending wouldn't be as happily ever after like it is when it comes to romantic comedies. 

Let's dive in! 

Mr. Sunshine. When Mr. Sunshine first aired, I SKIPPED it, because of it's slow phasing (well historical dramas are really like that), I wasn't attracted to it at first so, I totally skipped it. 

But quarantine happened. So I sat down with my mom and viewed the drama as if I was in history class. Flashback to Joseon 1871, the story started with a slave boy Yoo Jin, whose parents died in the hands of their master, was followed by slave hunters, went to a potter shop and met a potter who asked an American to bring the boy to America.  

Yoojin, translated into his English name Eugene, suffered bullying as a child. But when he saw soldiers walking through the city he told himself that "this is how I will become an American" 

Meanwhile, Joseon, it's a revolution between Koreans and Koreans being sold to the Japanese. A baby girl Ko Ae Shin was saved and grew up to be a curious young lady who wants to fight for democracy ever since the Japanese came to take over Joseon. 

 Story

It was quite confusing during the first few episodes that I needed to rewind or pause the subtitles to completely get a grasp of the story. During the first episode since it's an introductory episode, the story couldn't grasp my attention but as the series progress especially when they did a flashback during the 1871 Shimingayo event (United States Expedition in Korea or Western Disturbance), my historical brains just couldn't get off that gosh I needed more! 

 Characters

I love how each portrayal was created by the actors and the actresses. The series also engage in women's empowerment! Women making a stand not only for themselves but for the people that surround them. What I specifically love about the characters is their portrayal of different nationalities (Korean, Japanese and American). The characters started having a different path but ended up having the same agenda towards the end. 

Eugene Choi - A Korean slave who witnesses the murder of his parents, managed to escape his motherland and become American only to return back from his old home as a captain of the US Marines

Ko Ae Shin - A noble lady who parents are a part of Korea's Righteous Army, who grew up to be very smart and secretly trained to become a sniper and just like her parents she became a part of the Korea's Righteous Army. She would do anything for the love of her country. 

Goo Dong Mae - A son of a butcher who went to Japan after his mother told him to runaway from them. He was feared by the people in Joseon, as he was a part of Musin Society which is a part of the Yakuza group because of his great Samurai Skills. 

Kim Hee Sung - A son of the Noble family who studied in Japan and was considered as the second wealthiest next to the emperor. He uses his pen as his weapon and proves to the viewers just like Jose Rizal used to say that the pen is mightier than the sword.

Kudo Hina - A beautiful lady who owns Western Glory Hotel who was sold to a Japanese by her father when she was younger. 

Romance

I love how the romance was dwell in the series. Like you don't need some touchy feels, or intense love affair to say that it's romance. But with few gestures, from giggles to letters to sad goodbyes and to longingness from one another showed up one beautiful romantic story. 

Of course when there's romance the bromance would totally be there as well. I just love the combination of Eugene CHoi, Go dong Mae and Kim Hee Sung, whenever the three men share the scene comedic chaos just happens naturally. 

Verdict

STREAM IT! The drama gave me a huge twist like I knew it was coming but I didn't know it's going to be this Big! The story showed patriotism that made me remember this one line in a Filipino Historical Movie Heneral Luna that when you're in love with someone who fights for the country you become the mistress of that man or woman because his first love is the country and the second is you. 

Beautifully Orchestrated Drama that gives you a slice of history, a little bit of romance, friendship, and love for the country. 

Six Flying Dragons.

Another drama that pins from the soul of your heart. This time let's go back to the founding days of Joseon and the end of Goryeo. 

I skipped this drama too before because HAHAHAHA, but now I stream it with endless love for history.

 Story

Six Flying Dragon's is actually based on the story of Lee Bang Won and his Ambitious Journey to the throne as the third King of Joseon, but of course, before slipping through the episodes of the drama, I just did some reading here and there about the real history of Lee Bang Won.

 Characters

The Six Flying Dragons. 

Jeong Do Jeon/Sambong - 1st Dragon (Philosopher Dragon)

From his character introduction, you know that this man had bright ideas for the kingdom of Joseon. He wanted so much more for his country to live in a way where everyone is uniquely equal. He believed in a country without any corruption, social statuses, and a country for the people and it's people. There are just some episodes that I get confused with his own desires (is it really for the people? he was already inside the government by do the common people suffer? I thought it was for them) and wishes for the country but in the end, he really wants the best not for himself but for Joseon People. 

Lee Bang Won - 2nd Dragon Scholar King Dragon

This kid actually grew up to be strong-willed and had a sense of justice and had the ambition towards power. From his bloodthirst when he was younger (act of revenge)to his fickle-minded and agitated decisions, you know that as the series push through his totally up to no good. It may be his story but his actually the main protagonist everywhere! From his obsession to power, his schemes, his selfishness everything he does is basically an Anti-Hero! 

Lee Seong Gye - 3rd Dragon General Dragon 

He is Lee Bang Won's father. The beloved general of Goryeo. He is actually the one that Jeong Do Jeon wants to be king. His principles and his commitment towards his troops make him the candidate Jeong Do Jeon Picture. He may not agree with Sambong's principles sometimes but in the end, their paths leads to one thing which is the betterment of the people of Goryeo and soon Joseon. 

Boon Yi- 4th Dragon Peoples Dragon

Boon Yi is the perfect representation of the common people in Joseon. Despite the obstacles she had to endure, she remained strong inside and out and had shown kindness throughout the whole series. She was the light in every dark tunnel they have come across towards the "New Goryeo". She has the purity in her soul that every moment is precious and wonderful. 

Ddang Sae/ Lee Bang Ji. 5th Dragon Ninja Dragon

He is Boon Yi's older brother, he started to be a shy yet sweet child during his younger years, and his source of strength is his younger sister. But his childhood years had changed him when he witnesses his first love brutally raped right before his very eyes and he couldn't do anything to save her because he was young and felt weak. Fast forward to his adulthood, to avenge what had happened to his young love, he was taken care of by an elder and was trained to become a swordsman and later he became  Lee Bang Ji (his name was named after Lee Seong Gye's family) one of the greatest swordsmen in Goryeo. 

Moo Hyul - 6th Dragon The Giant Warrior

He was introduced as the 6th dragon at the later part of the series. Moo Hyul was like joy to your TV screens. He brings laughter and so much love in the series. I kinda feel like Moo Hyul is like Lee Bang Won's Purity (the symbolism of Lee Bang Won's child like naiveness). It felt like whenever Lee Bang Won did something ridiculous, he was always reminded by Moo Hyul's words about finding the joy in making others happy. But when he followed Lee Bang Won's direction, he didn't expect that Politics is not just about succeeding people's heart but politics is treacherous, blood sickening and depths of selfishness and obsessions with power.

Romance

There are only subtle parts of romance throughout the series because it's plot was about politics and ambitions. Boon Yi and Lee Bang Won's Loveline is like the love between two different worlds. They love and liked each other but the two of them decided to pursue two different paths in their lifeline, that even if their moments together seem like to have an expiry date, those were the moments they truly cherish and will never be forgotten.

 Another romantic tale in the series was Ddang Sae and Yeon Hee. I was rooting for the both of them ever since they had crossed each other's path in the field. Ddang Sae knew it was her, (his young love). He didn't care much about politics but when he finds out that Yeon Hee even her sister was a part of Sambong's supporters, he supported them and joined them as well. But then again, their happily ever after was cut short when they finally professed their love for one another. 

Verdict

Again STREAM it! I enjoy every inch of the drama my emotions were wailing that I couldn't even understand if I'm happy about it or not! It was bloody mental! Especially during the last few episodes, why does it have to be that way! Why do people need to fight or kill just to prove to another that they are stronger, wiser,or even better than a person?

Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung 

From Sad Tragic Historical Dramas to Light Romantic and Comedy Drama, say hello to Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung. I remember dropping this drama after Episode 4 and I don't even know why! I really enjoyed the first four and my happiness couldn't be contained but yeah there are other dramas that came out so I dropped this. But here I am revisiting the memory of the rookie historian. 

Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung reminded of the Kdrama Tale of Nokdu. The series is very funny, that my laughter was consistent till the end of the drama. 

Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung is set in the 19 century of Joseon.

 

Cast

Shin Se Kyung as Goo Hae Ryung - One of the first female historian. Just like Kim So Hyun, Shin Se Kyung really shines in Saeguk Dramas! I really like her character from the start till the end! She always stood up on her own beliefs, opinions and she also stood up for others as well. She's very affectionate and would love to deal with things in earnestly and would explain matters as smoothly as possible and would accept things if she was wrong. Not just that! She's very funny too!

Cha Eun Woo as Prince Do Won Yi Rim - the secret writer of his own time (hihihi). Okay so one of the main reasons why I watched and rewatched the series was because of Cha Eun Woo. I really loved him on Gangnam Beauty and him being Yi Rim was a bit of a twist because he is on his goofy side but there are some instances in his delivery that I still don't think he had really delivered but Cha Eun Woo had given many ounces of sympathy in his character. He seems so lost in his role as a prince that he find joy in writing and escaping through the castle walls and of course falling for the girl he really love. 

Park Ki Woong as the Crown Prince Jin - I started watching Cha Eun Woo but fell in love with the Prince hahaha hahaha.... The last time I have seen Park Ki Woong was in the Cheese in The Trap movie and he gave a different aura on this one. His character may seem intimidating, his gazes may taunt you like if he looks at you fiercely it means something is not going to be good but on the other side, he's a sweet older brother who loves his brother so much that his willingness to do anything for the sake of his younger brother. 

Lee Ji Hoon as Officer Min Woo Woon - He's the second, second lead almost everywhere and I love watching him on Tv Screens. He became one of my favorites because of Cool Kiz! His character started to be a bit strict but as the drama progress, you'll get to see his character being peeled off and you get to understand his character bit by bit. You can also see his agony as a son of one of the heads in the Royal Court at the same time a well-mannered and man of dedication and resilience. 

Romance

I like how cutesy their romance was, I really like their chemistry especially Shin Se Kyung! She's super cute in the way she confesses her feelings to the prince! ahhahahaha... From the moment I saw their posters I really felt like watching a fairytale OH GOSH THEIR EXTREME VISUALS! :) 

Verdict

The show shows Women's empowerment. The four historians were bullied and were given all sorts of troubles but these women didn't lose hope nor flicker. Instead, they showed their male seniors that they're no just women but they are historians and they are important in making history. These ladies also made a mark and even their seniors were all amazed by their skills! 

I also love how their friendship blooms and how they blended with their seniors and how they are one for all, all for one! 

The only thing that I didn't like in the drama was that I felt like the drama was cut through especially when you didn't know what really happen to Officer Min (Min Woo's father), I was expecting that the Queen Dowager and the Crown Prince have some grandmother grandson heart to heart talk, because it felt like it was cut off (it's just me), or what happen to the king afterward (we all knew that the Crown Prince is taking over). 

The Humor

Okay I would be lying if I didn't laugh out loud watching this drama. From start to finish I was laughing! I am really a laugher ahahhaha I laugh at the smallest funniest things, I never care if it was corny or super used as long it made my heart happy I am for laughs! And my favorite character would be this ahjussi! I watched him in Warrior Baek Dong Soo and he lights up the mood there too, but this time he was the fun in the drama including the two court ladies :) 

STREAM IT GUYS! If you're into light dramas and historical, this one is for you! 

Throwback Drama: Misaeng

  

Throwback to one of the shows that made my heart ached and cry. I was not attracted to this series when it first aired, I felt like way back before I wasn't ready watching a series about having a job because way back before I didn't have something I would call work or job. It became one of my weakest points cause I felt I didn't have something to offer. 

Misaeng which means Incomplete Life. It tells the story of the harsh reality of an intern in the workplace. The story mainly focuses on Jang GeuReu who became an intern because of his connection and the people who are with him during his two-year stay at the company called One International. 

Let's meet the characters.

 Im Si Wan as Jang Geu Rae. 

As soon as the first episode started the mood of the story has a subtle blue in hue, sad atmosphere, and loneliness that it was so painful to watch. It started with Jang Geu Rei portrayed by I'm Si Wan, he's the new intern who didn't have any background in a corporate job and was accepted because of connections. Due to this, he was poorly treated by the other interns who are ahead of him, 10-days before, and had a good resume on their sleeves. Him having to graduate with only GED (Korean Highschool Graduation Equivalency Examination) at the same time with connection didn't have his first good weeks at the company. 

The series slow-paced feels, gloomy rhythm, and sad color tones, I have felt like I had a first-hand experience of how Jang Geu Rei was, from the moment he stepped inside the office, to being left out and being bullied that it's so painful to watch him suffer from everything during his first few days at work. I wanted to take him out of the computer and hug him. "Don't worry my friend everything shall pass" 

The drama had laid details per detail on how he was feeling, how his struggles were, and what I didn't expect with his character is that it felt like he always had few words to say. His emotions were always left unsaid but his emotions, from the blinks of his eyes, to the way he walks, to the twitch of his mouth everything is created in detail that after almost an hour of the episode that just how we would know that his working hours have ended. 

What's amazing in this series is that it felt real. Everything that was happening at his office felt like we are also going through the same moments as him. From the people to failures and to small and big victories, everything felt like it wasn't written for the audience to feel, but this story is the audience. This is how life is. That in this situation, you are never alone, we feel the same way they feel. This is the reality. 

Our main lead Jan Geu Reu played by I'm Siwan wanted to be a professional Baduk player but had to give up on it due to his family status. His name Geu Reu is like OKAY in Korean, so whenever he hears Gereu he couldn't help but answer. 

 He started as someone who felt helpless with everything he had to go through during his intern days but did everything in his best to prove himself that he could do it, he is willing to learn, and as he said to Mr. Oh he has the Quality and Quantity of being someone at work which Mr. didn't buy at first.  But as we get to know him through the series, no matter what happened whether he fails or not, he was never withered. He never gave up and was still positive in everything, even if he knows he was lacking. 

He was like the heart of his team. When he said he was the company, the company's president even complimented him and had liked him. 

Lee Sung Min as Mr. Oh. From the first moment he was introduced, he seems to be grumpy and always had this thing like why was Jang Geu Rae sent in his team. He wanted someone more qualified than him. But actually, he is idealistic, a man with principles, and has a kind heart. 

From his scruffy hair, slow and fast walks, to the way he talks and his eyebags, you would already get that vibe like everything is on his shoulder, that he's barely getting through (he's a father, a team leader, a subordinate, a friend and of course a husband all in one) But Mr. Oh always show you how to strive, be determined, and always do your more than 100 percent best in everything. 

Kim Dae Myung as Kim Dong Shik. What's not to love about his character! From being a supporting secondary character (Mr. Oh's sidekick), he was also one of my favorite characters in the show. With his enthusiasm, kindness, calmness, and loyal subordinate and friend, I couldn't help but love his character! He showed his rawest feelings as a subordinate and a really good friend. He may just seem like an ahjussi with very bad perm hair but he is more than that. 

Kang Sora as Ahn Young Yi. I thought she and Geu Rae had some sort of a love line hahaha... There was this moment when Geu Rae saw her for the first time and everything went slow-motion. Ahn Young Gi started as the character whose so brilliant, so much talent, eloquence, and professionalism. That pretty unnie who I want to be when I grow up feeling. 

But as we get into deep into her character, it gave us the other side of Young Yi whose vulnerability is showed with her awkwardness in a competitive world where men rule. Despite some few backstories about her, you get curious with why why why. 

Kang Han Neul as Baek Yi. He somehow reminds me of someone I knew :) His character is like the KNOW-IT-ALL person. Like he always felt the need that his better than Geu Rae. There was this one line where Kang Sora told him the elevator that isn't he too selfish for thinking the way he thinks. 

His arc progress showed his growth as a person. From taking things smoothly, by understanding the basics, by being calm and understanding, despite him being impatient shows us that each and every one of us had different personalities at the same time different in the way we view things. Kang Han Neul really made Baek Yi the person you wouldn't like at first but once you get to know him you'll understand where he's coming from. 

Byun Yohan as Yook Seol. My favorite character in Misaeng. I love Gue Rae but Yoo Seol stole it! hahahaa... It's the first time I have watched him in a drama. He was introduced to someone you wouldn't like to be working with in the future. It felt like he's so into himself and only see him as he could do anything and he's so good at it. 

But he's the biggest turnover in the series. He's one of the characters that whenever you see him you just couldn't help but be amused and laugh at him. His blabbering and funny gestures are really funny (for me). He also likes the glue and bridge between interns. He made you feel like one of his friends too, his presence is really seen. There's this one scene where he was in a gloomy state and you would totally feel it. Just like what Geu Rae had thought in an elevator scene, he felt he lost his friend York Seol. 

Work-related issues from the series. 

Misaeng showed the truest form of what is happening in the workplace. Maybe there's so much more to that but Misaeng gave us the reality at work. Some issues were tackled in the series. 

1. Gender Discrimination. 

-Specifically towards women. I couldn't forget this one scene where they said that women who get pregnant are the culprit at the workplace. They even advised Young Yi to be single and not to get married, because it would be a hassle to the men in the place. I just felt bad like why does it have to be that women are always the one who goes on the bad side. Not good enough worker, the wrongdoer in everyone's eyes, whether it would be on her in-laws, in her husband's eyes, as a mother, it feels like you are always not good enough. Basically, it's also shown in how society treats women, despite struggling double in everything we do it's just doesn't fit well because you are a woman. 

2. It may not just be business but then again it's all about business.

One International is a trading company so everything seems like a business. Meeting potential clients and finding the best business to deal with. But sometimes it also gets personal. There's this one episode when Mr. Oh was so excited to meet his old-time pal in high school and he wants to have business with him but apparently, that person has been holding some grudge in the past. 

It may seem petty at first but there are some things in life as they say couldn't be easy to let go of. Especially when it's coming from childhood. 

At the end of the day, it can also be caring. There's this one episode when Mr. Oh faints due to overfatigue. Everyone on their floor crazily called and search where Mr. Oh went. It's very heartwarming because despite what Business it may be, the significance of family at work is shown. 

It may just be business or just work-related, everything is just personal. 

3. Contractualzation

I find this new, I don't know but I was shocked when Geu Rae's table has a "Contractual Employee" post. It felt like it was literally showed that he has an expiry date. Here in the Philippines, we also try to fight with contractualization, we call it here ENDO (end of contract). My heart ached so much on this. You start enjoying being at work, earning for your family, and then because of your contract, it's either you would get absorbed by the company or not. I felt the pain Geu Rae had when his contract is almost over. This may raise the ethical issue with the unjust treatment of workers, until now it's they are still implementing amends on our labor code here in the Philippines. I just don't know how it is in South Korea. 

Learnings.

1. Understanding the difference between working alone versus working with others. 

This has been taught in school from solo projects to team projects, but I guess when you are in the real world it may not be easy as it seems. 

2. Every day is always a new day for a new battle. 

It may be commuting on your way to work and on your way home. Working on time pressure and deadlines, whatever happens on that day, we should always move forward and if things didn't go on the way we plan we should never get discouraged and always do your best. 

3. The importance of the work we do. 

There's this one scene where Baek Yi tells his frustration to Manager Kang. That he was disappointed in himself and then Manager Kang gave an insight into the importance of what they do. That not all work should always be in the spotlight. That every single work we do is not less significant or less important, because every little thing we do adds up to make a big whole company :)

4. Finding Meaning to our work

Here goes the question why are working? Finding that spice as the older people say when your working is what is important. Does this make you happy? Does this make you happy? But as they also say work is also working progress. You can have a love and hate relationship with it but at the end of the day what you like is important. Find something that keeps you going.

5. Friendships 

One of the warmest thing in the whole series is building friendships with your colleagues. That undeniable bond that even if you don't have some deep talks, each friend's "presence" felt significant. 

6. We are our parent's Pride and Joy

No matter how small our accomplishments are, and even if things didn't turn out the way we want it to be, our parents are supporting us all the way. I really cried my heart out when Geu Rae overheard his mother on how proud she is with everything he does. That she knew he was hurting all those years but she kept mum about it and support him. 

7. Our World is like a huge Baduk

We all have our principles, our own ways, that in this huge Baduk board we are in, we are the representation of our lives. Every move we take is like the black and pieces of the board. 

Misaeng had shown up in a moment where it brings back memories of when I first started working in our company. That excitement at the same time fears if I can make it through or not. There's one instance in the series where Jang Geu Rae stares at One International Building and the emotion he felt was the same emotion I felt that moment. I was really happy. 

There may be a lot of things that I have resonated with Geu Rae but at the end of the day, it's about doing the best you can every day. As if getting excited with something foolish today. Just like Geu Rae, I started late at work but it didn't stop me to always look forward no matter what.

 

I'm so late in watching the drama but this gave me a lot of tears on the side. I was ignoring the series for so long and here I am being close with every character ahhahahaa... 

"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. Just do it!" Thank you Misaeng! <3 <3