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. 

 

January Series Run down

I couldn't access my Blogspot since late last year, I couldn't upload my photos so I got frustrated I literally left it. But I guess blogging will always be one of my first love. My brain works as if writing is really needed in my life.  I breathe for writing? ahhahaha

For the first few weeks of January, we're all snuggling together since the surge of omicron became very rampant this month. We have been in our rooms for the whole month of January that we decided to just do some binge watching.

The world is a bit different from how it was before COVID-19,
but thanks to that we learned how precious an ordinary day can be.

One of the quotes that hit hard on me is how Covid-19 taught us on how precious life is. This quote made an impact and at the same time reminded us that even if we're going to live our life with Covid we should never waste our time but instead learn to live life as if it's going to be our last. 

First on the list was Happiness starring Han Hyo Joo,  Park Hyunsik and Joo Wo Jin. I have been patiently waiting for this series to finish because I have been hearing good reviews from the series. What made me attracted to this series was because it was a Zombie theme series. I am just happy that this series had a happy ending that it had resorted to a cure and because the virus was contained. I'm also excited watching Hyunsik and Hyo Joo because I haven't seen them since W and Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. I love their chemistry too! 

At first I was like there's no HAPPY in HAPPINESS! Like how could it be like this but until Hyunsik Said this line " I told you I fell for you the first time I saw you. I knew you were my destiny.

I said to myself that you were the one." Now that's your Happiness :) 

Embrace the mess, that's where the good stuff lives.

The trio seems to be an unlikeable pairing but little did they know a friendship had emerged in times when they needed someone. Despite of how gruesome things happen in the end they find strength in one another that every investigation was fun and good. It may be scary but it is where the good stuff happens. This also is applicable in real life, sometimes the prettiest things happened in between the struggles and pains we have faced. 

Finished this series within 2 days of my weird timeframe! Starring Steve Martin, Oliver Putnam and Selena Gomez. The crime investigatory start because of Tim Kono. Every episode is always a cliff hanger like dang I need to finish this as soon as possible! Like everyone in the building could and can be a possible suspect. And it's super fun to if you want crime investigatory slash comedy series!

Look at you Seul, you can handle this things pretty well on your own.

Sometimes there are things we fear that we couldn't face alone. There are a lot of moments in our lives when we feel like this thing wouldn't be easy and that's one of the reasons why we ran away, because the pain of the past haunts us. 

Starring Lee Dong Wook, Wi Ha Jun, N and Han Ji Eun, this drama is packed with action, drama, and comedy. I just can't stop laughing with all their funny antics! 

Another Zombie series! Me and my things with Zombies!

All of us are Dead is not just your typical Zombie Series but it's so much more than that. When I first saw the trailer it reminded me of High School of the Dead. There are a lot of things that you can take away from this drama, from friendships, family, sacrifices, school, and life. 

There are some scenes that reminded us of what had happened in reality and some learnings/takeaways from the series.  

1. For example that one scene in the classroom where the kids were taking video messages for their parents and it somehow showed that during the Sewol Ferry incident, students also took a video message for their parents. Same as this reality there were adults who were supposed to save them but instead abandoned them, same as the helicopter scene in All of us are dead.

2. Bullying is also one of the main intros's from the series, and it has always been one of the problems students face in school. 

3. Grades, the pressure in making students have higher marks to achieve bigger achievements as soon as they graduate from college. 

4. There's no greater love than a parent's love for their child, this is one of the scenes that also touched my heart and it showed two types of parents love. One parent created an epidemic to save their son from being bullied one parent would sacrifice everything to protect his daughter. 

5. Tough times bring out the best and worst in people, and it's not just about zombies but in general as well. 

6. You are your own Survivor, and in Zombie Apocalypse everyone is equal, so if you can help, help as many as you can. 

My siblings and I even made some little connections to Zombie series and movies in South Korea. Starting In Seoul where Alive happened and then Train to Busan, when they thought Busan was a safe place but wasn't because Hyosan was infected, but little did they know that history repeats itself because in the Kingdom Era there were Zombies, but in the end, they had find the cure and Happiness is really bound to happen. 

Lessons from everything, In order to live the life we should also cherish the happiness that is going on in our lives. We are always talking about Pain is demanded to be felt, but did we truly demand Happiness to be felt. It's also going to start with I. Am I okay with it? Am I happy? Am I fulfilled? This series reminded me it's always going to be okay to choose myself once in a while but at the same time, flow the kindness, happiness, faith, and trust to the people that surround me. I may be affected by the societal expectations from social media, family, friends, and society, I should know that I am my own person, and my decisions matter. I may falter but it's a part of being human as long as we learn from it and we take chances and we do the right thing, it's going to be fine. 

Squid Game

 I have watched Squid Game during its peak on Netflix and yes I gave in to the Bandwagon.  I became so curious that how in the world does a child's play becomes something sinister. But regardless of how the whole series was played in many intense episodes, the series has lessons, reflections, somehow parallel to our society. 

I would share some of the lessons I have learned from the series. I am sooo late in sharing what I have learned, but I hope it's not too late hahahaha

1. Money isn't everything in life. 

Do You Know What Someone With No Money Has In Common With Someone With Too Much Money? Living Is No Fun For Them. -Il-Nam

This is one of the things that was always been in my grandparent's breakfast conversation. Money is not everything. All throughout the series, money was always been the number one priority. If I can't have it out there why not make it here. But in life, the more money is involved the more we have to endure life sacrifices. And somehow I feel that every death in the series is every stress at work, home, a family that we lose that sense of balance just because we wanted to earn and earn money. 

2. Sometimes in life, it's all about LUCK. 

If it's for you, it's for you, at the end of the day if luck is on your side. I always believe in luck, and I know that there are a lot of things that are not meant for me but at the end of the day if luck is by my side it will, it can happen. Just like what happened with our main leads. It may look like all the odds can be in their favor but sometimes it's not. But there are a lot of moments when luck was also on their side. 

3. Sometimes, the biggest traitor is not your enemies but the people close to or next to you. 

I felt so much pain when Ali was betrayed, Sang Woo. There are some instances that in order to win Sang Woo made choices that were only of his advantage rather than advantages within his team. This is the saddest part of life because unfortunately, the biggest betrayal comes within our circle of family and friends. It's okay to be kind, but don't forget to be mindful about everything around you. 

4. Too much greed can kill you. 

Not literally and literally. Some of the characters had resulted in their greediness in order to be on the game. They don't care about others as long as they are playing the game. 

5.  Money is not everything.

“Do you know what someone with no money has in common with someone with too much money? Living is no fun for them.” - Ill Nam

-Do you think money can solve everything - Gi Hun

Of course, money is important. Without money how can we live?  It's also been one of the main topics when it comes to dramas, they always have this connotation of money is not the source of happiness but of it can buy you what you want and that's the same thing. But at the same time money is the root of all evil, if we became too much greedy for money what is the essence of life for us. But instead, strive to find purpose in living. Invest in things that would give us the reasons to live. 

6. No matter what be kind

Just like they say kindness begets kindness. I think this is always put into every movie or series I have watched. No matter what you do always be kind to others because kindness goes and comes around. In every movie, series and in everyday life, the people surrounding us remind us to be kind at all times. 

Take out with Squid game. It's fine to be nice but not too nice that you lose the sense of what's going around you. Every little thing we do is connected to a good and bad deed. Think twice before doing something that could affect not only your present but also your future. 

Mean No Harm

So My siblings and became a fan of Penthouse. As we are watching we knew that this kind of drama is not new in Philippine Television but its so new in kdrama. There are so many unrealistic scenes that was like really???? But  every drama has their own way of capturing their audience. But the best thing about after Penthouse was their variety show of the main villains in the series, Joo Dan Tae, Dr. Ha Yoon Chul, amd Lee KyunJin. 

 

I was laughing and smiling all throughout the show because I have seen some of the characteristics these villains has. Hahahaha It’s actually a thank you show to everyone who had watched their series. One of my favorite was the cooking part of the show. I just want to do all the recipes Dr. Ha is making. I can't to wait make my own version of cooking.

I really enjoy variety shows than involves cooking 🧑‍🍳 If you want something that would give you laughter and joy watch this kind of show. I also loved the friend ship they have built while making the show. It's so sad to see them bid goodbye to their show. 

The variety show involves a day trip which they thought was "a trip" a moment of relaxation, but they are wrong. They tried preparing an old abandoned house, invite their friends at the same time lived in a province, the show was really fun and I really enjoyed watching it. I will miss this fun Ahjussi 's. Excited to see more from them. Maybe I'll be doing some binge watching of their series..

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. 

To the one who turned 30!

 Sorry guys, if it's December and I'm still stuck on September 27.

 I remember this one scene in friends when Rachel turned 30 (Season 7 Episode 14 "The One Where They All Turn Thirty" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4TJagzvEE : here I am looking for that excerpt)

 

And I do remember how much I didn't understand why they're sad. I felt like is this really the sign of people aging? When Joey said "Why?" (fast forward in the present) I was at that exact moment when he said that. "Let the others grow old not me" HAHAHA I have those same sentiments hours before I turned 30.

All of my friends from childhood and college have celebrated and will be celebrating their 30's this year; in the time of all quarantines and no party's allowed. I was even thinking of celebrating my pinnacle age at our province together with my cousins. But covid had changed all of that plan. 

It was really different in the way I expected it. I think I would never get over my turning 30. Despite the changes, it was memorable. It was a moment where despite all long-distance everyone was present. My 30-year gratitude was overflowing.

So I just can't help doing this, posting my feelings whether it's via youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXmcULTQvWU), or my learnings( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp8V5TKrjVc ), I just couldn't get over the fact that I'm 30 hahahaha!

It's like I am peepping and opening the door and saying "Can I just be here at 29 and not age" hahah insert Rachel!

L

I think there’s so much with this age that I’m no longer a part of the young; that this phase is so much more of being an adult. Like real time big time! I always felt that I’m a living folklore of heartbreaks but at the same time a fairytale on my own stage. 

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.