Celebrity (Kdrama Review)

 

Hi, it's been a while since I wrote a blog about a k-drama series I have sat down for hours and sunk into this K-drama world. And this blog was in this zone of drafts, I felt like it's so unfinished that I didn't want to publish it. 

I really miss blogging! In connection to blogging and the digital age, here I am writing about a kdrama I have watched last July, and that my friends is Celebrity. 

Everyone has been talking about this series here and there. The story focuses on Seo Ah Ri (Park Gyu Young) a young saleswoman who lives with her mom who runs a dry cleaning business. 

Photo from Asian Wiki

In the process of getting to know Ah Ri, her family used to be wealthy however when her father died and their company was bankrupt, her family was left penniless. 

I have watched Park Gyu Young countless of times from Sweet Home, It's okay not to be okay, Nokdu Flower, and Dali & Cocky Prince, she really has this feminine charm that you want to protect at all cost but is a smart, fun, strong woman that would really make you question why in the world that I have thought of her as naïve. 

She really had me and my brother hooked by her soft gestures to that one feisty charisma! She really had carried herself all throughout the series; she had her humble beginnings but the dark side of fame had caught on her too much that all you wanted was to root for her and at the same time leave the society that trolled on her; specifically the Cabin Society. 

Yoon Shi Hyeon (Lee Chung Ah), the big sister of the Cabin Society. One of the calmest characters' in this series. From the beginning, Shi Hyeon already had a soft spot for Ari. You can feel her so much from the weight of her actions, her tone of voice, her smile and her attitude towards Ari, not only too Ari but to girls in Cabin Society too (if only these girls are nice). I love Lee Chung Ah in VIP, well all of her characters are lovable too, but there's something about her aura in this type of drama. You'll never know what's she's up too until she would utter her words. 

Shi Hyeon may seem like she only follows the rules that should be bent, but there's something even beyond her character that you would like to know aside from how she can be Seo Ari's Ally. 

Han Jun Kyung (Kang Min Hyuk), when he first showed up in the scene at the bar, I felt like his character is somehow a happy go lucky character, a fine gentleman charmer who definitely likes Ah Ri. But he's way bolder and deep and than that. I came to somehow dislike him a little too, but all is well, because he's character is like a little bit of a shinning armor to Ah Ri. I feel like his character is one of the arcs that is needed to make Ah Ri's character shine and stronger. But Ah Ri is stronger by her self. But yes, he's like one dashing man really wanting to take care of Ah Ri NO MATTER WHAT. 

There's is just this scene, that made my mind blown! And I'm sure you know what I mean! 

Jin Tae Joon (Lee Dong Goon) Shi Hyeon's husband. I know from the moment he walks in the camera, this man is up to no good, there's just this certain vibe that he has that "Ammm not to be friends with" kind of feel. Whenever I see Don Goon on my TV Screen, I am always reminded by his character in Marry Him if you Dare as Anchor Shin, and I 

Photo Taken from Asian Wiki. 

Gosh the girls of Gabin Society! If you watched this series, you'll know what I mean! I felt like these ladies had everything they wanted but still, they had their attitude elsewhere. These girls reminded me that envy can cause too much! Because they wanted to always be the "IT girls" they made childish decisions that I felt like I didn't understand you girls. But all claps to them because they are all GOOD ACTRESSES! They made my heart angry with them especially when they are on screen! 

The series goes back from the present to the past. What had happened why these characters are taking this route, you would totally be out of your seat just by the different twists and turns on every episode. When I first heard about it, I thought it was all about the glitz and glamour of being a celebrity in South Korea. But it's definitely the inner causes and effects of fame. 

Learnings: 

1.  Fame is not everything. 

Celebrities are under pressure to perform all the time. You are in front of a camera all the time, and it is difficult to lead a life in the world of glamour. -Sushmita Sen

  As older celebrities, locally and internationally. fame is not really everything. It's not about rainbows and unicorns, but it's much more deeper than that. Celebrities had to face a total amount of pressure not only for the people who sees them but the scrutiny of people who may dislike them. 

2. Cause and Effects of Social Media

The world of social media is fair (I supposed it was), you can make your own content, create, and express yourself with the beauty of the internet. It's basically a freedom wall all around the world. But unfortunately, it's not the case as social media is diverging into a bigger state phenomenon that freedom of expression has been used to cause negativity, hate and disarming fake news.  Usually everyone behind computer screens are no longer black and white it's beyond measurable. 

Let's face it, the sad part of social media is that most famous people suffer depression. From constant scrutiny of people behind computer screens, The tabloid headlines, the gossips, and relentless judgements take a toll on a celebrity/influencer's mental health. 

Just like the series had describe, being an influencer is not some walking in a park agenda. The pressure is real and good and bad competition is everywhere. The series also showed us that in between PR managements and arrangements there are the people behind the scenes gracefully handle media interactions, your brand image, your values and at the same time help you empower the different challenges you need to face becoming an influencer. Especially focusing on what truly matters in creating and connecting to your audience. 

3. Be your authentic self  

Here's the thing with authenticity, there are some who forget that being authentic is being oneself. But how? In celebrity, the series touched on that genuine connections, and genuine interactions will lead to success. Easier said than done, yes, a lot of people are genuinely kind and you can see it through their body language and all. But always know too that not everyone who smiles smiles back at you. Then again Authenticity is GOLD!

4. Balancing Public and Private lives 

Just like how celebrities usually say that Living in the limelight isn't all about glitz and glamor; "Celebrity" gives us a glimpse into the life of a celebrity and it tells the viewers to always draw boundaries when it comes to personal life and public life. The same way when it comes to using your social media. Share not because it's a part of the norm but share because you want to impart an inspiration to your viewers. 

My takeaway with Celebrity is to not everyone who smiles at you is your friend. Not everyone who invites you wants you to be a part of their team, and always THINK before you click. Always be careful and be kind to others. 

Celebrity also shows that not because fame is overpowering, your insecurities and challenges are shielded. The show is almost a raw personification of celebrities,  and at the end of the day each and every one of us is human. 

If you're dreaming of stepping into the zone of being an influencer, I believe Celebrity shows you a glimpse not just glimpse but the world of digital media. Take time to understand the pros and cons of entering the world of digital world. 

Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (little review)

And here it goes! It felt like a long time since I wrote a review for a kdrama that I have watched. One of the Drama's I have watched early this year is Bulgasal: Immortal Souls. My siblings and I waited for these drama to finish before sitting down and watch it. One of the funniest reason why we watched this drama is because of Kim Woo Seok (My brother's fave) and for me it's Kwon Nara :)

I won't pretty much go on the details of each character but on how I felt watching it. At first, while I was watching it, it gave me like a Goblin kind of feels drama. It started in the past and then it went on to the future. But what had amazed me was the great chemistry of Kwon Nara and Lee jin Wook. 

My brothers and I are so kilig even when they haven't seen each other. We were like having all emotions in one scene.

Cast of Characters

What I love about the drama 

Aside from the Chemistry between the main leads, I also love the chemistry of everyone I also love the cinematography, it actually built the magic between different era. 

It's my first time really seeing Lee Jin Wook I was so amazed on how his facial reactions change when he see's Sang Un versus when he sees Si Ho. This is actually the second time I have watched him, the first one was on Sweet Home. 

But their chemistry is soooo strong! I wish they'll have another Romance Series! Hahaha I think I have said this a while ago! hahahaha can't help it!

Kwon Nara is sooo Pretty Wow!! She's one of the reasons why I watched this drama! 

PLOT TWIST! I was like really?!?!?!?!?!?! But one things for sure, revenge doesn't really get you anywhere. Even if you spend a lifetime getting your revenge, it won't really do you good at same time it will take you happiness away from you. 

 

The Virus Kdrama Review

 Late Night Blue Kdrama Marathon. Just finished watching the Virus. And i’m likeeeeeeeee

I was like why in the world did I watch this drama? Really the Virus in the middle of the Pandemic? This series just give me more goosebumps about the current pandemic. 

The Virus star Penthouse Lead Uhm Ki Joon (Lee Myung Hyun) and his disease control team to investigate a human virus that has 100% fatality rate. Not only he must find an andidote but also to stop the epidemic from killing mankind.

I knew from the get go that it was a story about a pandemic and still I watched it and gave it a try. There are some topics in this drama that somehow had an eerie resemblance in todays pandemic (especially the news of people suddenly fainting in public). (That scared me!) I was on the edge of my seat thinking of what will happen next. 

The only thing that I felt was “This was a series” feel is that when there are some events like “oh this was unrealistic” but everything happens in a kdrama. But in the end I enjoyed and love the series. 

In the end all I wish and pray, that this pandemic will soon end. That everyone will be healthy and safe. 

My Ahjussi

 "Despite having failed, it made me think, "it's okay to fail.": "it's nothing, really." "you can still be happy."

Failure is inevitable in human life. As the older people say, you cannot enjoy success without a little spice of failure. I have always been talking about never giving up on my vlogs, about how failure had made me stronger. I somehow resonate with this lines, that it's okay to fail, because at the end of the day we can still be happy and live our life. It's not that I ignore the feeling of failure, or appearing into toxic positivity, it's just that I feel like every pain comes happiness, and happiness can also result to pain. But as long as we are living there are always endless of possibilities coming our way. It wouldn't be easy, we wouldn't know, but it will....... 

Finally had the chance to watch Mr. Ahjussi. This is one of the todo kdrama list but was totally push aside because I feel like I can't handle the pain yet. But in the depths of realization and questions here I am dwelling with the life story of My Ahjussi. 

Story 

My  Ahjussi tells us a story of middle-aged brothers, who endure different obstacles in their lives. My Ahjussi also tells a story about a girl Lee Jian whose also living a hard life on her own. 

Cast of Characters

 

Lee Sun Kyun as Dong Hoon

I will always remember this ahjussi as the guy from Coffee Prince Choi Han Sung... the guy Go Eun Chan likes. Lee Sun Kyun as Dong Hoon is simply impeccable. From the way he walks to the way he talks and as soon as you hear his voice or hear the way he walks you know it's him, the epitome he made for this character really made me listen just like Lee Ji Eun (IU). 

Let's dive in with his character. 

Dong Hoon is a little bit quiet, and stoic character. He seems to not care but he does. His slow, low registered voice and gentle demeanor adds up to everything in his character. No matter what the circumstance his facing, his really a genuinely nice man. He is really kind no matter what (I think this is what his character is teaching us). From episode 1 down to the few episodes to the end, his life was not really rainbows and unicorns. (SPOILER:  His wife is having an affair, his boss who used to be his hoobae(junior) wants him to be fired, and he seemed to be a bit pitiful in his office). Nevertheless, he always showed kindness and innately a good person. Everything you see in him is very raw. 

Not just that, he's also a good boss. When he cares he really cares! He just seem to be a little bit gloomy but when it's fun it's fun. 

IU as Lee Ji Eun 

Okay so I'll try not to be bias hahahaha because IU is my fave! I was excited to see IU in this one because I have watched Persona on Netflix and I have been a fan since Dream High days. 

Her character as Lee Ji Eun was a total opposite of all characters she portrayed in the past. Her character seemed to be a living dead, I just can't help but to sing Zombie by Day6 when I see her character. Because her eyes showed no emotions. But as the series progress, I just felt the pain everytime I saw her. The depth of emotions was swarming through her every movements, from the way she walks, talks, listen and even at the office. Her petite small figure showed her fragility despite of her strong persona as the cold-temp employee. 

One thing I see in her character is that despite of the gloomy obstacles she into (SPOILER), from her very vulnerable grandmother to her paying of debts, to her heart-wrenching back story, she's really strong and very wise in terms of everything. It's like she's hungry to live but the circumstances made her gloomy and dry. 

There is one I lie where she speaks from her heart, where all that matters was kindness. It's how Dong Hoon had showered kindness to her that she really appreciate it. It is that one scene at the board of directors. 

“I got used to being neglected… so I didn’t expect much from other people and I never tried hard to hear praise from other people. But now… I want to do a good job. I don’t know if the fact that I like someone… will produce an unfavorable outcome… but even if you fire me today… I’ve been treated like a human being for the first time. And I thought… that I could be a decent person after all while working here. So I’ll always… be thankful to Manager Park. In the three months that I’ve worked here… I’ve felt warmer than I’ve ever felt in my 21 years. Whenever I pass by and see this building, I’m happy… and I’ll always… wish the best for Saman E&C.”

Lee Ji Ah as Yoon Hee

My siblings and I are still at the hype of Penthouse that we're so excited to see Ahjumma! :) 

Yoon Hee is Dong Hoon's wife. She's a lawyer and during the first episodes she was introduced as a viewer you would already know that she's having an affair with Dong Hoon's Boss/Hoobae. From the tell all, her character is really a bit eerie and I just don't like cheating. No matter what explanation, no matter what reason cheating is cheating. 

I never liked her character in this one, but Lee Ji Ah is just as elegant as she is! I can't help but say she's really pretty. 

Park Ho San as Park Sang Hun

Park Sang Hun is the eldest among three brothers. He was just recently or was fired in the company he was working at and had two failing businesses that ended with so many debts. He was kicked out in his own home, his wife is aggravated in him but despite everything, he always finds happiness in little things. 

For me, his character is really swabe yet very emotional; an older brother with so much baggage on his shoulder. He always had this line to his brothers that his younger siblings find it irritating, because he always say sorry for being a failure, that as an older brother he must set an example to his younger siblings but he ended up failing from his previous job and businesses. Despite failing he always looked into the brighter side of things, he seems very calm in listening to his brother's rants and talks. 

SPOILER

There is this one scene where he really showed his emotions when they found out Dong Hoon's wife had an affair. They were at this small place where they ordered some drinks  He really gave him comfort even if he had a few words to say. 

Song Sae Byuk as Park Gi Hun 

The youngest among three brothers. He is a movie director and was once invited to the Cannes Film festival because of an independent film he did but his glory days are over after 20 years of not releasing a movie as a movie director. 

Gi Hun is really the youngest in the family. He admires his brothers by the way he looks at them but he always appear as the grumpy little brother who doesn't liked to be tease. His a bit hot-headed too! He also had this certain charm like his brothers I may seem to be not caring but I really do care awra. 

Jang Ki Young as Kwang Ill

My blood waves are making me so angry in this guy! I liked him so much in Go Back Couple but this one guy here, oh no words! 

(SPOILER) Kwang Ill and Ji Eun used to be childhood friends before the whole murder happened and before he took his father's job as a nasty mean jerk loan shark. The way he treated Ji Eun is beyond I couldn't imagine. How could a tall huge man hit a small fragile woman! TOO MUCH!!!!! 

Kim Young Min as Dong Do Joon

Why in the world is this man always a cheater and a not so good person! Hahahah hello World of Married! He's very insecure in himself. No matter how high he was, he was always thinking of ways to let Donghoon out of his sight. His character is such an overall coward. Hiding from the walls of his little office and title. 

I just love the way he acts when his acts where found out by Dong Hoon. The way his eyes scream "Oh Sh*T!" Like there's a huge lightning bolt fired up in front of him. The way his body gestures scream "I won't be scared but I am scared", it's just so satisfying to watch because all we can say is "You'll never win dude" and my brothers and I would be clapping at our heroine because you can really see in his eyes that he lost!

Kwon Nara

I didn't understand her character at first, I thought she was just making fun of Gi Hun losing the directorial job that she even invites friends to see him. She was brutally honest/rude, about talking about Gi Hun's failure that it made me kinda not like her character. But in one episode (SPOILER), she just simply explain the reason why she acted that way. 

Learnings from the Drama (Quotes and Other Characters) and What I like about the drama

Goo Do Shim as the Brothers Mom

I really love the little details Eommonie was in this series. From packing the boys lunch, to seeing his eldest son got hurt, to her squeal when she founds out Dong Hoon became a director and the constant worrying about his sons. There is also one instant in the series where Dong Hoon asked his mom why she always worries about him, and she said that it's because he was a quiet child. She may never explained why but it's because she felt there is so much more to him. 

What I learned from seeing her is that even if we get older, our parents will always be worried about us, they will also be extremely happy for our achievements no matter how big or small it is. Even when we get older they still see us as the little kids before.  They are hurt when we get hurt. 

Son Sook as Gran

Lee Ji Eun's scenes with her grandmother always gave me a tweak in my heart. My siblings and I grew up being close with our grandmother and even if she's no longer with us her effect on us would always be carved in our hearts. Gran seems delicate and a very gentle character, I love how through her actions and sign language her affection towards Ji Eun is so beautiful. There's something about the way Grandmother looks at their Granchild, there's so much love beyond words that only through those sweet looks we know what it felt. 

I really thought he was Lee Ji Eun's brother! (HINDI PALA!) Because when Ji Eun asked help, he was the first one he called and he accepts and followed everything she asked. He is actually one of her childhood friends. Though their relationship in the drama is only seen in some few episodes in the drama, his character showed towards the end of the drama that no matter what happens, whatever we did, I will protect you. Though not much words are said but the emotions of friendship was there. 

The Power of Closure. 

1. The art of letting go. 

Why do we need it? Is it important? Jung Jung Hee's relationship with Monk Gyeomdok is a love story that happened way back when they were younger. It was the time when Jung Hee could never understand why Gyeomdok left her. It was one of the most painful feelings she felt and couldn't move on despite the years. 

The art of letting go or closure is something we seek for answers of why. The ambiguity and confusion of feelings that were left unresolved is something or sometimes we needed to move on. And sometimes the closure we need is to know if our feelings for that person are still there or not.  For years, Jung Hee had holdbacks with Monk Gyeomdok but in the end, she had finally accepted that things that lingers in her heart will only be and always be a part of her past. 

2. The moment of parting ways

Another parting scene was the final goodbyes of Ji Eun and Ahjussi. For months Ji Eun could hear everything about Ahjussi, from his panting to his breathing to his soft talks and emotions, finally, it's time for her to let go of everything she knew about him. Letting go of being attached with his voice.  And finally letting go of everything he meant for her. And a Hug is sometimes we need for our goodbyes. 

3. The word "Sorry"

Saying your sorry as the older people say is one of the hardest yet easiest to say. 

"Sometimes all we need is to take some time to rest" 

-a getaway

-a prayer

one moment where we could ease the pain of our everyday. 

And sometimes we all needed that one hug, that friend who would remind you that you can breathe for a while, everything will soon be okay.

Kwang Ill's change of heart (His way of being sorry)

I was actually waiting for some closure between Ill and Ji Eun, but I guess sometimes closure isn't what we need in life. But the acceptance that the other party may not ask forgiveness but forgiveness comes from you. At the same time some "Sorrys" happen by doing the Righ thing. 

One of the most painful scenes in this drama when Yoon Hee finally said she cheated on her husband. One of the most painful sorry. I remember one line in a Filipino Movie "SORRY, Ganun ganun lang? Tapos kalimutan na?" 

Sorry may be hard to say but sometimes sorry is also one of the words that a person who was hurt would say "Just to get out your guilt, you say sorry?"  I feel really bad for ahjussi. Ahjussi tried his best to be the man of the house, to fill the gaps in their relationship. He may have some lapses too as a person, he is a man of few words that his wife interprets as if he never cares. 

But I just have one question? Can sorry really heal everything? :) 

The sense of community/family

I love how everyone is all for one and one for all. If there's someone who's on the lower hand, everyone would be there for you. I love how everyone knew each other, how everyone we're childhood friends. This made me miss my friends so much because they always have my back no matter what. 

Simple Talks between Ahjussi and Ji Eun. 

Another quote that struck me. This is also one of the few words my older friend used to tell me. We are all living our lives trying to prove ourselves to everyone. We used to say that our success will be our biggest revenge. But in the end, we just cross into circles that we get to the point where we asked ourselves what are we gaining out of this. What is the point of proving everyone else? Am I happy? Are they happy? Life is a continuous manner, if we let people control our lives, we can never be happy. Are we just going to run into circle just proving that we can do it? It may be a driving point for us to stand up but don't let it be the core of why we are doing the things we do. 

Providing encouragement for one another. 

My Ahjussi gave a lot of lessons and learnings in life. In the end, it's all about kindness, and knowing that everything you do may have good and bad consequences.