SODRAMATIC february 2015
RIsing Star BYUN YOHAN
NEW TO KDRAMAS? don’t worry!
we’ve got your back
NEW YEAR NEW DRAMAS
DRAMA SPOTLIGHT with so many
dramas coming out every year it’s hard to watch them all
Second Lead Syndrome
Contents
FEBRUARY 2016
3-4 5-6 7 8 9-11 12-15 17-21
NEW TO K-DRAMAS? Our guide on what dramas to watch first 5 TYPES OF GUYS AND GIRLS YOU SEE IN K-DRAMAS After watching dramas for a long time I’m sure you’ve seen them too WHAT IF? Actors that could have got the role EATING IN : FOOD IN K-DRAMA Food , the real supporting cast of a drama BYUN YO HAN Rising star of 2015 DRAMAS SLATED FOR 2016 Everything from KBS to TvN GET TO KNOW US Questions and Answers from the team
Message from the editor-in-chief: Who would have ever thought that I would ever be part of a cool magazine team? I’ve always been interested in channeling my creativity in any way possible so why not do it with something that I love. I also wanted to challenge myself this year to pursue the things that I’ve always wanted to and to push myself harder which is why I came up with the idea of this magazine. Our first issue is a bit special in that it doesn’t really have a specific theme but rather a variety of different topics for you to enjoy reading. Our little k-drama community consists of some of the most creative and supportive people I know so this first issue is for all of you. I hope you have fun reading this issue.
-Fatima
23-24 25
DRAMA SPOTLIGHT Just some dramas that deserve more lovin’
27-28 29-30
THE DRAMA THAT CHANGED IT ALL One drama is all it takes to change an actor’s life
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Ever wondered what your favourite ladies are up to?
SECOND LEAD SYNDROME The one that got away
THE TEAM Here are the tumblr names of all the contributors of this month’s issue. None of this would have been possible without their help so send them some love. Aisha @banghae Allie @kdramacornered Fatima @jungeums Léa @brainlessoutofdate Lynsy @jjiyong
Marlen @koreandramafeels Öykü @akinobushu Sammy @krdramas Simona @yojimin Tamara @bogummies
SD
Get in touch with us via email kdramamag@hotmail.com and on our tumblr page sodramaticmagazine
New to K-dramas?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Have you ever wanted to be a part of the vast, amazing world of Korean dramas but just didn’t know where to start? If you’re a beginner that just doesn’t know what kind of dramas will suit your taste, we’re here to help you! It can be a little overwhelming when you gaze into a list of so many dramas with various ratings and reviews. Most of those are very subjective, so you might be left feeling disappointed that you didn’t find a ‘good’ drama with a decent rating. However, you shouldn’t drop a drama just because a person on the Internet didn’t find it good enough to give it a 10! Chances are, they liked it a lot, but they also prefer to be honest about the flaws that the drama has. To save you the trouble, we came up with a list of dramas from various genres, which you can look through and find a drama that suits your taste.
*
City Hunter
If you’re a fan of fast-paced and action filled things, then this is the drama for you! Lee Yoon Sung is a talented MIT-graduate who works on the international communications team in the Blue House. He plans revenge on five politicians who caused his father’s death with his surrogate father, Lee Jin Pyo and eventually becomes a “City Hunter”. This drama is also based on a manga. It’s action packed, but the story behind it is very well thought out too. It is action mixed with revenge and romance, and the masked hero theme adds a really great touch to the overall impression, which avoids the presence of any slow paced or dragged out moments. City Hunter isn’t a very light drama, but it’s a great start if you want dramas centered on things other than just romance!
*
You Who Came From The Stars
Do Min Joon is an alien who landed on Earth 400 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty period. His appearance is nearly perfect and he has superhuman abilities. Soon, he discovers that he can leave Earth in three months, and he’s very excited about that chance. However, that’s when he meets Cheon Song Yi, the biggest Hallyu star in Korea. This drama incorporates a lot of fantastic elements in its storyline, and that’s what makes it really exciting! If you’re a fan of fantasy or science fiction, this might be the drama for you. The female lead is a very strong character, and she has her flaws but works her way around them. The acting is very good and the chemistry between the leads is amazing! It’s definitely a good drama if you’re just starting out.
*
Dream High 1
The story of Dream High is set at Kirin Art High School, where we follow six students on their journey of fulfilling their dream of becoming music stars in the Korean music industry. This drama is very good for people who are into music. The soundtrack fits really well into the drama itself, and it has a nicely paced, fun storyline. It incorporates the daily high school life with all its spices, because it’s a period when you grow and discover yourself, while also discovering the world around you. Dream High is a nice start for people just getting into dramas, with its upbeat music, great acting, interesting and funny scenes and a touch of the hardships of reality.
3
4
*
Splash Splash Love
Dan Bi is a senior high school student applying for the College Scholastic Ability Test. For her university entrance exam, Dan Bi can’t deal with the pressure and runs off to a playground. Without knowing why, she goes into a puddle and finds herself transported to the Joseon period. She then falls in love with Lee Do, the young king who is in a difficult situation due to droughts and the spread of an epidemic. Splash Splash Love also has a fantastic element to it, since the main lead travels to the past, but it’s also a really nice introduction to Sageuk dramas. In short, Sageuks are dramas set in a period of the Korean history, which might also be based on historical events and figures. Having only two episodes, Splash Splash Love is a special and not a drama, but its storyline flows extremely well and it also includes the historical figure Sejong the Great. It can be a really nice introduction to these types of dramas because it captures their general gist really well.
*
Coffee Prince
When a tomboy is mistaken for a young man, she decides to stick with it for the sake of maintaining her job! It gets complicated when her male boss starts to develop feelings for her, who’s still disguised as a boy. If you’re a fan of Shoujo manga, then you must’ve heard of this trope. If you like that, you’ll surely like this drama. It’s really good for people just starting out, and many have already been introduced to dramas through this drama, too!
*
Honourable Mentions
Once you’ve started watching, you’ll soon realize that you can’t stop! It isn’t always like that, but it’s what happened to me and many others too. Here’s a list of dramas you can watch after you’ve been properly indoctrinated into the cult.
Reply 1997 This is a drama filled with nostalgia, with many moments of friendship and romance. It has a lot to do with youth, the high school life, and discovering and accepting yourself, so it’s also very fun and easy to watch.
Faith Another Sageuk drama, this time set in the Goryeo period. With its fantastic elements and great character development, it’s a really nice Sageuk drama to watch. The main leads have great chemistry, too.
Shut Up: Flower Boy Band A music oriented drama, again, dealing with friendship, romance, youth and the high school life in general. It’s similar to Dream High, but also quite different.
Let’s Eat One of many dramas centered around a romance between an older woman and a younger man. It’s also a mystery with lots of funny moments, and devoid of any stereotypical clichés.
written by : Simona @yojimin designed by : Fatima @jungeums
5 types of guys and girls you usually see in k-dramas The Girls
The shy, awkward girl This character is usually the female lead, who typically undergoes a transformation of self and becomes more confident and outgoing—not that there is any reason for her to do so aside from her transformation’s direct correlation to her relationship with the male lead(s). Examples: Park Shin Hye (Flower Boy Next Door), Gong Hyo Jin The go-getter This girl gets stuff done. She mostly doesn’t care what others think and works hard to accomplish her goals. Examples: Park Min Young (Healer), Kang Sora (Misaeng), Go Ara (You’re All Surrounded) Kind-hearted female lead Willing to sacrifice her own happiness, she is always there for others, especially her friends—although this can sometimes be to her detriment. Examples: Jang Nara (Fated to Love You), Nam Ji Hyun (What’s with This Family?), Choi Ji Woo (Twenty Again) Poor female lead This character can typically be found in a rags-to-riches story, and she will more than likely become rich through her relationship with the male lead, although that is not always the case. Examples: Park Shin Hye (Heirs), Yoon Eun Hye (Coffee Prince), Gu Hye Sun (Boys over Flowers) The questionable choice-maker This all-too-common character is a bit less intelligent than the rest of the characters. Usually, this character’s questionable choices propel the plot along to allow for the male character to shine. Examples: Gu Hye Sun (Boys over Flowers), Lee Yoo Bi (Scholar Who Walks the Night), Han Ji Min (Hyde, Jekyll, Me)
5
Rich, snobbish male lead He usually begins the drama as a total jerk who is mean to everyone, especially the female lead, but as the drama progresses, he gradually becomes kinder due to his interactions with the female lead. Examples: Park Yoo Chun (Sungkyunkwan Scandal), Jang Geun Suk (You’re Beautiful), Yeon Woo Jin (Marriage Not Dating) Nice second male lead He often exists to contrast the snobbish male lead and is almost always kind to the female lead. In the real world, practicality and common sense would often point to this caring second male lead as the proper companion for the female lead, yet as dramaland’s laws would have it, this rarely happens. Sometimes, there may be one issue that exists between him and the female lead that would prevent their relationship. This character is usually a static one, whereas the lead is more dynamic and becomes a better person either because of or directly for the female lead. Examples: Choi Jin Hyuk (Fated to Love You), Park Hae Jin (My Love from the Stars), Yoo Yeon Seok (Reply 1994)
written by Lynsy @jjiyong designed by Fatima @jungeums
The Guys
The hero This male lead is most often found in the action genre. Usually, he or someone dear to him has been hurt in some way, and he wants to fight for revenge , a cause , or to save someone else. He is often aided by others but can also be seen alone. Examples: Ji Chang Wook (Healer), Lee Jun Ki (Iljimae), Lee Min Ho (City Hunter) The (may or may not be) gay character Usually, these characters turn out not to be gay, but sometimes they actually are or the drama hints at the possibility. More and more dramas are introducing these characters as time and cultures progress. Examples: Song Joong Ki (Sungkyunkwan Scandal), Hoya (Reply 1997), Terada Takuya and Lee Jae Joon (The Lover) Wounded puppy with issues This character is typically a good person whose life has been flipped upside-down in some way due to circumstances outside of his control. Examples: Im Si Wan (Misaeng), Joo Ji Hoon (Mask), Park Hae Jin (Bad Guys)
6
What if? Pinocchio is a 2014-2015 drama about four young interns aspiring to become reporters. They consist of characters who happen to hiccup when lying, a cabal, a hidden genius, and an ex-sasaeng fan. Kim Woo Bin was first offered a role as the main male lead but was said to have declined the offer because of scheduling conflicts, which happened to be because of touring promotions for his film “Twenty.” The actor also declined the leading role in “Warm & Cozy.” Imagine actors Kim Woo Bin and Park Shin Hye as the leads for Pinocchio! Wouldn’t it bring back The Heirs memories? Would he have gotten a better chance of ending up with Park Shin Hye’s character? Fortunately enough , we had Lee Jong Suk choose the role. Since Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk had already worked together for a few pictorials, in the end fans were able to realize at least one of their ”ships.”
For the start of 2016 we recently received the webtoonbased drama “Cheese In The Trap.” Actress Kim Go Eun was not the first to be offered the role of Hong Seol ; in fact it was Bae Suzy. Sadly, for some reason she declined. In addition to that sadness, actor Seo Kang Joon had previously expressed his desire to work alongside Suzy. Maybe next time Kang Joon’s wish will be granted. After Suzy declined the role, Kim Go Eun was asked to take it. Initially, Go Eun politely dismissed the offer due to scheduling. The director insisted that Go Eun should take the role, and once the shooting schedule for Cheese in the Trap was altered in her favor, she accepted.
As for actors Bae Suzy and Kim Woo Bin, we will soon see them as the leads of KBS drama “Uncontrollably Fond.” The drama is about two people who grow apart because of an incident and meet again years later. This time, Kim Woo Bin’s character is a famous actor, while Suzy plays a documentary producer whose love for money overthrows her sense of justice. ”Uncontrollably Fond” is said to be released later this year in June.
Written by: Marlen (@koreandramafeels) Designed by: Aisha (@banghae)
7
Eating In : Food in K-drama
8
Amidst the laughs and the tears, and the heartache and the humor of kdramas, lies an essential part of the cast : the food. Second only to the second male lead is the food – it silently supports and soothes the pangs of heartache and grief, and shares in the joy of clearedup misunderstandings and indirect kisses. This column will be shining the spotlight on these supporting actors from jjajangmyeon to abalone porridge and the special role they play in dramas. In some dramas, food is the driving force – take Let’s Eat, which follows a foodie divorcee’s quest to satisfy her curiosity about Seoul’s latest gastronomical hidden treasures but hates eating alone. Enter handsome but faceless food blogger who posts about food so delicious that he finishes every last crumb and photographs just the empty bowl, and romantic hijinks ensue. Or how about the evil mother-inlaw’s award-winning kimchi in Eccentric Daughter-in-Law, that gets so much screen time each episode you can almost smell it? Or the healing power of baking bread that fueled a romance as well as a bakery for ex-cons in Legendary Witches? But in any drama of any genre or any length, food will usually leave memorable impressions of Korean cuisine. Who hasn’t craved ramyun, or steaming hot fishcakes, or any of the other equally steaming street food that we may never get in our own countries - while marathoning a drama? Or of course kimchi, especially while watching the epic kimchi making sessions that involve the entire family, as well as the love interest - if he’s lucky. One food we see frequently in dramas is kimbap. In She Was Pretty, kimbap
“If you change your point of view, the whole world looks different. If you move the spotlight, the supporting characters can become the main character.”
Sung Joon, She Was Pretty
shared the spotlight with other picnic foods in not one, but two adorable picnic scenes (episodes 13 and 16). At first glance, kimbap mirrors HyeJin’s supporting characters metaphor. But when eaten as the main course in dramas, kimbap looks lonely and plain – recall the kimbap triangles an attentionseeking Shin-Hyuk ate for breakfast, or the roughly made quick-and-easy food for our hungry hermit, Ahjumma, in Healer. In Shining Inheritance, Hwan ate the inexpensive kimbap himself, saving the pricier sushi for Eun-Sung a sacrifice that reflected his affections for her. In Hye-Jin’s case she did shine the most when she started to see herself as the main character, but as a main character who came into her own while surrounded by loved ones. So to stretch the analogy a bit, we might imagine kimbap as a picnic food, but in the middle of the other delicious dishes. This is just a taste, so to speak, of how the food in kdramas, either intentionally or unintentionally, can play a role in a drama and affect how we experience the series. Since kimbap did not have much screen time in in She Was Pretty, next time I will be focusing on the real breakout stars of My Love From Another Star: chicken and beer, and perhaps a recipe or two! Written by Allie @kdramacornered Designed by Lea @brainlessoutofdate Fatima @jungeums
9
y db e gn s esi eum d g d an jun n @ e a itt wr atim F
n a H o Y n u y B Dramaland introduced us to Byun Yo Han back in 2014 with one of the most talked about shows, Misaeng, but he’s been in many other short films and movies before then. He played one of the interns at One International alongside Lee Sung Min, Im Siwan , Kang So Ra and Kang Ha Neul , nonetheless he managed to shine and gain many fans. I personally never got passed episode seven of Misaeng despite my love for the cast, so I didn’t really care too much about Byun Yo Han. He has, however, been all over my dashboard since then and he’s not too bad on the eyes so I really wanted to watch something else of his again.When they announced the cast of Six Flying Dragon, I was beyond ecstatic because not only was Yoo Ah In going to be starring in it , he was going to be reuniting with Shin Se Kyung, and I would finally get a chance to watch Byun Yo Han on my screen. I don’t imagine anyone else playing Lee Bang Ji besides Byun Yo Han , he puts so much heart into it and brings his role to life. He’s also rocking that ‘stache.
Many factors have contributed to his success but if I were to pick one reason why he’s made it this big since his Misaeng days , it would definitely be the fact that he put up a really brilliant performance as Han Suk Yool in Misaeng , and has managed to be consistent since then. One of the other things Byun Yo Han does really well is pick dramas and movies with amazing casting which is very evident from all his projects. He’s had the opportunity of working with big names in the industry like Lee Sung Min , Kim Kyung Min , Song Ji Hyo , Yoo Ah In and many more and still remains a very humble and down to earth person. As viewers, we’re exposed to many new faces each year but how many of them do we really remember or pay attention to? Although good looks really help but at the end of the day it’s all about the acting. With his great acting skills , Byun Yo Han defintely is a rising star and I’m excited to see what more is in store for him in the future and what other projects he’s going to be apart of.
Thoughts on Byun Yo Han! What’s great about Byun Yo Han is that he came onto the drama scene giving it his all and continues to shine. He makes every role feel real. If his character feels pain, you as a viewer feel his pain, as well. On a personal front, he’s very kind to his fans and has a lot of friends in the acting world. He presents himself to the world as a real person, not someone who has put on a mask to appear a certain way for the public. He seems like someone who will impact us for a very long time. I like his approach to acting most! He obviously has a thirst for all different kinds of roles and I admire that he hasn’t really boxed himself in one genre but is rather trying anything that catches his interest. Also he’s really earnest and humble, very grounded in interviews which I find attractive!
-anonymous
-jjiyong
10 Byun Yo Han has been in more movies that he has dramas. That being said I’ve only seen him in the three dramas he has starred in. I like many things about him as person and as an actor. He adapts well to the roles he recieves. In Misaeng he provided comic relief but was also able to portray Suk Yool’s struggles and issues. For Ex-girlfriend Club he acted as a popular webtoon writer. Although he showed a comedic side to him, we also saw him successfully act with a sensitive and carrying side. Finally, in Six Flying Dragons, so far we’ve seen him as a brave and skillful swordsman. I personally enjoy his acting, I’ll most likely venture off and watch his movies as well. Not to mention his charming smile and the look he gives off with his eyes while doing so. Additionally, he looks good in almost all the hair styles I have seen him in. Surprisingly enough I liked him with the middle parting he had in Misaeng, the flower boy cut on Ex-girlfriend club, and the long hair/mustache he has going on in Six Flying Dragons at the moment. If you haven’t seen his films or dramas I recommend you do so. He has quickly grown on me and is currently moving up on the list of my favorite actors.
I consider Byun Yo Han to be a great actor. His role in ex-girlfriends club was a very realistic character, I think the amount of charm he brought into the role was just right. Because of his acting, his next dramas are already on my ‘to watch’ list.
I like him for the same reason I think most people like him – he’s an actor’s actor. He’s really good at playing a variety of roles (even unsympathetic roles) and becoming a different character each time. His role in Misaeng was one of those where you immediately haaaaated the character on-sight, like, you didn’t even need more than a few seconds to go “ugh this character is awful and greasy and can’t be trusted.” So for about four or five eps you just wanted him to be taken down. Then, magically, thanks to some great writing but especially great acting, you began to feel sorry for him and care about him and even root for him, and then the next thing you know, he’s your favorite character. As great as the writing and the directing was in Misaeng (and it was great, no doubts bout that), I think a lot of that change in perception was due to his acting ability, which makes it clear he’s pretty talented.
-krdramas
-koreandramafeels
Hm I’ve only see him in a few episodes of the ex-girlfriends club (?) drama. He has excellent eyebrows and is very boyish and cute but not in a flower boy way. I’m about to watch Misaeng so I’m looking forward to seeing what all the hype is about.
-kdramacornered
Most good looking actors now a days find a way on tv through their looks and even if they can act or as a rookie it’s graded ok, its their face that takes the credit for it. Byun Yohan, despite being handsome (extremely in my books, but I’ll admit I’m slightly biased lol) began working on indie movies first and he was very popular in that field before landing the role he got in Misaeng. His face is also natural too and hes able to take advantage of that in showing emotions (his puppy eyes and his smile <3). And in a generation of flower boys, he isn’t afraid of facial hair lol! -jungbonga
-obsessivedilettante
Han Suk Yool’s gestures and ways are still fresh in my memory - This is why I fell for Byun Yo Han, and this is why I continue to adore him. I am eagerly anticipating his growth as an actor and I can’t wait to be there to witness it all. -banghae
Where did this guy come from? It’s Ji Chang Wook all over again. He is super cute and has already a couple of awards under his belt. He was so much fun in Ex-Girlfriend Club and I’m looking forward to watch him in Six Flyin Dragons, which I heard nothing but good things about. -akinobushu
Byun Yo Han as Lee Bang Ji in Six Flying Dragons 11
Dramas Slated For 2016
KBS
Hwarang (화랑) Set in the Silla dynasty, this drama will follow the elite “flowering knights.”
Confirmed Main Cast :
Descendants of the Sun (태양의 후예) Penned by Kim Eun Sook, famous for hit dramas such as Secret Garden and Heirs, this Wednesday-Thursday drama is set in Uruk, a fictitious war-torn country where the two leads, a captain and a doctor, must work together to save others, only to find themselves falling in love with each other.
Confirmed Main Cast :
. Song Joong Ki (Innocent Man) . Song Hye Kyo (That Winter, the Wind Blows) . Jin Goo (C’est Si Bon) . Kim Ji Won (Heirs) Expected Air Date : February 24
Five Chidren (아이가 다섯) This weekend drama follows the lives of different generations as a single mother and a single father find each other and fall in love.
Confirmed Main Cast :
. Go Ara (You’re All Surrounded) . Park Seo Joon (She Was Pretty) . Park Hyung Shik (High Society)
Expected Air DatE : February
Page Turner (페이지 터너) This three-episode drama special will follow three youths, whose lives become intertwined when a young female pianist gets into an accident.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Kim So Hyun (Who Are You: School 2015) . Ji Soo (Sassy Go Go) . Shin Jae Ha (Sassy Go Go)
Expected Air DatE : February
Lightly, Ardently (함부로 애틋하게) After a past tragedy, the two leads of this drama will be reunited, one as a Hallyu star and the other as a documentary producer.
. Ahn Jae Wook (Lights and Shadows) . Shim Hyung Tak (Divorce Lawyer in Love) . Shim Yi Young (My Mother Is a Daughter-in-Law) . So Yoo Jin (Happy! Rose Day) . Im Soo Hyang (Inspiring Generation)
Confirmed Main Cast :
Expected Air DatE : February 20
Expected Air DatE : May
. Kim Woo Bin (Heirs) . Suzy (Gu Family Book) . Im Joo Hwan (Oh My Ghost) . Im Joo Eun (Empress Ki)
12
MBC All’s Well with a Happy Home (가화만사성)
This weekend drama will follow the Bong family, who run a Chinese restaurant.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Kim So Yeon (Falling for Innocence) . Lee Sang Woo (All About My Mom) . Lee Pil Mo (Who Are You: School 2015) . Park Min Woo (Modern Farmer) . Yoon Jin Yi (Discovery of Love)
Expected Air DatE : February 27
The Flower in Prison (옥중화) Born in prison, Ok Nyeo will help the falsely imprisoned and accused by using a private litigation system in Joseon in this drama, expected to run for 50 episodes.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Jin Se Yeon (High-End Crush) . Park Joo Mi (The Great King’s Daughter) . Go Soo (Golden Empire)
Expected Air DatE : May 7
Marriage Contract (결흔 계약) Widowed by an accident, a woman in this drama will raise her young daughter on her own, until she learns that she has a brain tumor. She will enter into a contract marriage with an older main
man seeking revenge after being orphaned at a young age.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Kang Ji Hwan (Big Man) . Lee Ki Kwang (Mrs. Cop) . Lee Yeol Eum (The Village: Achiara’s Secret)
Expected Air DatE : February
Godbye, Mr. Black (굿바이 미스타 블랙) Based on the comic by Hwang Mi Na, which was influenced by Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, this drama will follow Cha Ji Won, a Navy Special Operations officer who is betrayed by his friend and enters into a fake marriage with Swan, whose cheerful personality makes him fall in love and regain his trust in those around him.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Lee Jin Wook (The Time We Were Not in Love) . Moon Chae Won (Good Doctor) . Kim Kang Woo (Missing Noir M) . Song Jae Rim (Unkind Women)
Expected Air DatE : March
OCN
in order to secure a guardian for her daughter.
Vampire Detective (뱀파이어 탐정)
Confirmed Main Cast :
While solving cases for his clients, a detective unexpectedly becomes a vampire and struggles
. Lee Seo Jin (Wonderful Days) . UEE (High Society)
Expected Air DatE : February 27
Monster (몬스터) This drama will be a revenge story, beginning in the IMF crisis of the late 1990s and following a
to unravel the mystery of himself in this drama.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Lee Joon (Heard It Through the Grapevine) . Oh Jung Se (The Lover) . Lee Se Young (Plus Nine Boys)
Expected Air DatE : March
13
14
38 Task Force (38 사기 동대)
Mrs. Cop (미세스 캅 2)
In this crime drama, a task force chief and a conman will work together to catch tax evaders.
In this sequel to 2015’s Mrs. Cop, after Kim Hee Ae’s character takes time off of work, a new
Confirmed Main CasT :
FBI-trained chief takes her place.
. Seo In Guk (I Remember You) . Sooyoung (My Spring Days) . Ma Dong Seok (Bad Guys)
Confirmed Main Cast: . Kim Sung Ryung (Flower of the Queen)
Expected Air DatE : March
Expected Air DatE : June
SBS Yeah, That’s How It Is (그래, 그런거야) This will be the first drama on SBS’ weekend drama timeslot, following The Family Is Coming, which completed its run last March.
Confirmed Main Cast :
Sa Im Dang, the Herstory (사임당, the Herstory) A Korean art history professor discovers historical figure Sa Im Dang’s diary and begins to unravel the mystery of a portrait.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Lee Young Ae (Jewel in the Palace) . Song Seung Hun (When a Man Loves) . Oh Yoon Ah (Angry Mom) . Yoon Da Hoon (My Heart Twinkle Twinkle)
. Yoon So Yi (Hidden Identity) . Seo Ji Hye (Punch) . Nam Gyu Ri (Heartless City) . Kim Hae Sook (Pinocchio) . Jo Han Sun (The Woman Who Married Three Times) . Shin So Yool (Mrs. Cop)
Scarlet Heart : Ryeo (보보경심 : 려)
Expected Air DatE : February 13
Confirmed Main Cast :
Please Come Back, Mister (돌아와요 아저씨) A dead man returns to the living world in the body of an attractive younger person in this Wednesday-Thursday drama, adapted from the Japanese novel Mr. Tsubakiyama’s Seven Days by Asada Jiro.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Rain (My Lovely Girl) . Oh Yeon Seo (Shine or Go Crazy) . Lee Min Jung (Cunning Single Lady)
Expected Air DatE : February 24
Based on the online Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Hua, this drama will follow Hae Soo as she slips into the past and must adapt to a new life surrounded by the many sons of one of Goryeo’s kings. . IU (Producer) . Lee Jun Ki (Scholar Who Walks the Night) . Kang Ha Neul (Misaeng) . Hong Jong Hyun (Mama) . Nam Joo Hyuk (Cheese in the Trap) . Ji Soo (Sassy Go Go)
Expected Air DatE : September
Written by Lynsy @jjiyong Designed by @brainlessoutofdate @jungeums
TVN
Memory (기억) This drama will follow a lawyer who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Confirmed Main Cast :
Dear My Friend (디어 마이 프렌즈) This drama will depict the lives of both older and younger people who find friendship with each other.
. Lee Sung Min (Misaeng) . 2PM’s Junho . Kim Ji Soo (One Warm Word)
Expected Air DatE : March
Confirmed Main Cast : . Go Hyun Jung (The Queen’s Classroom) . Yoon Yeo Jung (Wonderful Days) . Lee Se Young (Plus Nine Boys)
Expected Air DatE : May
Pied Piper (피리부는 사나이) This drama will follow a crisis negotiation team that will deal with intense cases such as
Names, dates, cast, and other details are subject to change, and the information listed here may have changed after the time of publication.
attempted suicides and hostage situations.
Confirmed Main Cast : . Shin Ha Kyun (Mr. Back) . Jo Yoon Hee (The King’s Face) .Yoo Joon Sang (Heard It Through the Grapevine)
Expected Air DatE : March
Top 5 That I’m Looking Forward to: Descendants of the Sun
This is Song Joong Ki’s first drama since his discharge from the military in May 2015, so I am more than excited to see him on my screen again.
Memory
Even though this drama will probably be a heartbreaker, I know that Lee Sung Min will do a beautiful job in his role.
Vampire Detective
Lee Joon as a vampire? Where do I sign up?
The Flower in Prison
This drama sounds like it could be an interesting one with a strong female lead, so I’ll stay optimistic.
Hwarang
15
The premise of this drama sounds like it could be really great. Flower boys in Joseon? Yes, please.
Happy Birthday JAZZ
the sodramatic team would like to wish you a wonderful day
! s u w o n k o t Get SIMONA ums
junge designed by @
Writer
Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A:The first drama I watched was Secret Garden. Back then, I thought it was the best thing ever. Looking back now, I can see it has a lot of flaws, but it will always stick with me as it’s the drama that really got me into this. Q:Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A: My favorite actor is Sung Joon. I like his good looks, his acting skills and that he’s an extremely good villain. I don’t really like the staff that chooses dramas for him, though. They’re almost always disappointing. My favorite actress is Kim Seul Gi. She’s extremely talented, charismatic and all-inall a great person! Q:What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: Splash Splash LOVE. It isn’t a drama, but it’s short, sweet, and full of wonderful moments that will make you laugh and cry. Q:What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: Hyde, Jekyll, Me. I honestly only watched it because Sung Joon was the villain in it, and I didn’t even get to finish it because I got so bored. Q:Your favourite kdrama couple? A: Oh Do Shi and Ryu Du Ri from ‘The Lover’. They’re the most realistic couple in all the dramas I’ve ever watched. They have their bad moments, but they always get over their petty fights and make up, and even when things get serious, they lean on each other to go through it.
Writer
SAMMY
17
Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A: My first K-drama was The Master’s Sun and I’m happy I started with this drama.It is still one of my favorites because it has such a nice plot, and the main couple’s story line is hilarious and cute. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in starting with K-dramas! Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A: This is a hard one because I have way too many guy and girl crushes on actors out there. If I had to choose one of each, I’d pick Ji Soo and Kim Seul Gi. This might just be because they’re up and coming actors, but I find them both so nice to watch. Their acting is always on point and they have both made me laugh too hard and cry too long. Q: What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: I have to say Healer, just because it took me by surprise. I didn’t expect it to have such a beautiful and romantic story line. The lead characters were both admirable and adorable, so if you’re thinking about watching it you should! Q: What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: I drop dramas pretty quickly when I can tell I don’t like them, so I don’t have any completed dramas I regret watching. But one drama I only watched seven episodes of (and wish I had watched even less of) was Heirs. I tried to stick around for Kim Woo Bin but I just couldn’t do it. Q: Your favourite k-drama couple? A: This is such a close call between the Healer couple and the Witch’s Romance couple, but I’ll say Healer. Only because their relationship had a mysterious aspect to it that could make me watch them over and over again.
Writer
LYNSY
18
Q: What was your first kdrama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A: My first kdrama was Faith (aka The Great Doctor). I was looking for a live action Mulan on Netflix one night--alas, there wasn’t one. But, in the related videos, Faith showed up. It looked interesting (Historical, time-travel, magic? Yes, please!), so I thought I’d give it a shot. And I loved it! At first, the comically evil villain was entertaining, but after a while, I got so invested in the story that I just couldn’t stop. I was really lucky to have Kim Hee Sun be the first kdrama lead actress I’d ever seen. There isn’t really anything I dislike about the drama. It was my first, so it’s important to me sentimentally. Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A: My favorite actor is...Song Joong Ki! This flower boy really stole my heart in Sungkyunkwan Scandal (coincidentally, the drama he starred in alongside my favorite actress). Seeing him as a member on Running Man really secured his spot as my favorite. And his role in A Werewolf Boy--oh, I can’t even talk about it. Everyone needs to (re)watch that movie right now. My favorite actress is definitely Park Min Young. The first drama I saw her in was City Hunter, and she did a great job. I’ve watched most of her dramas so far, but the one that sticks with me the most is Healer. Everything about her character and her portrayal of Chae Young Shin won me over completely. Even if she is in a bad drama, I will watch it to completion just for her--and believe me, I have. Q: What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: Healer! The leads are great. The couple is great. The story is great. The side characters are great. The OST is great. Everything is great. Q: What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: First, let me apologize to Han Ji Min, Hyun Bin, and Sung Joon, but it’s Hyde, Jekyll, Me. I stuck with that drama until the very end, but the plot was just...bad. I like the actors, and they did great with the roles they were given, but it was such a disappointment overall. Q: Your favourite kdrama couple? A: I have a lot of favorite couples, but it has to be Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young in Healer. They were just phenomenal.
ALLIE
Writer
Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A: Greatest Love: this was a good first drama in that it parodies basically everything about k-entertainment and has some awesome cameos, plus Gong Hyo Jin and Cha Seung Won! Even though it was angst-heavy - as most Hong Sisters dramas are - it’s still a drama I would recommend to those new to dramas. Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A: Kim Seul Gi! She’s really stolen the show in the dramas she’s been in and I’m hoping she gets more lead roles after Splash Splash Love. She has impeccable comedic and she showed us her ability to express a broad range of emotions and to flesh out a role (so to speak) in Oh My Ghostess. And we need her on OSTs too! Q: What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: Oh My Ghostess. All-around excellent characters, particularly the female characters. Heartwarming friendships (including bromance) and family dynamics. Love how the element of the supernatural was the perfect vehicle to demonstrate the human condition at its lowest and highest. Also, awesome OST and OTP. And wow they found an actress short enough for Jo Jung Suk (he is one of my biases I swear!) Q: What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: Dream High 2 but I still have hope that I will finish it someday. One episode at a time. Lol. Q: Your favourite k-drama couple? A: Eun Shi Kyung and the Princess in King 2 Hearts.?
Writer
TAMARA Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A: Playful Kiss, I know, horrible decision. I love Itazura na Kiss (yes, I know), but by the time I watched it there was only a Japanese live action (I didn’t know what dramas were back then), but the version was too old (90’s). I saw the Korean version, and since KHJ looked exactly like my junior high crush, I thought “why not”. What I liked about it: Jung So Min, the queen of my life and Lee Si Young, my everything. What I didn’t like: Everything else. I thought for a Itazura’s remake it was pretty boring. Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A: THIS IS NOT FAIR. How could I choose only one? Since I’ve already mentioned LSY and JSM, I’m going to say Kim Min Hee. First I think she’s the most beautiful actress ever, she has such great features, and she does great movies, I like how versatile she is. And how cute she was with Lee Min Ki. I hope one day she’ll make a comeback to dramaland, but she’s doing a Park Chan Wook movie, so what else could I ask? And for actors , I’m going with Seo In Guk. I love him so much. Since I first watched Reply’s 97 he’s been a part of my heart. What I like about him: his eyes, he cries so well and that he chooses different roles to play. And he’s so funny, you just look at him and you can feel that he’s a good person. And he did Hello Monster with Jang Nara. (See what I did here?). Q: What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: I would always suggest a school drama, everybody starts with them. But Healer. Healer is a good romance, good comedy, good action, it’s good at everything. So I would definitely recommend it, I think there’s no way you could go wrong with this one. You might not love it, but you’ll like it for sure. And Park Min Young will steal your heart. Q: What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: Hi! School: Love On. I don’t even wanna talk about it, just know that I have a thing for school dramas, and sometimes I waste my time. Q: Your favourite k-drama couple? A: I could say Taek and Deok Sun, but I don’t want to get into a fight. So Sam Dong and Hye Mi (Dream High), my everything.
Marlen Writer
Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you liked or didn’t like about it? A: Goong, I loved Yoon Eun Hye’s acting, Q:Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A: Jung Kyung Ho, I love everything about him. Q:What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: I would definitely recommend Cruel/Heartless City to everyone. Q:What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: Blood. Q:Your favourite kdrama couple? A: Oh Cho Rim & Choi Moo Gak from The Girl Who Sees Smell.
19
Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A: My first K-Drama was Playful Kiss! It wasn’t the best drama and it had its problems, but in hindsight it was the perfect drama to hook me into the world of K-dramas. Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A:My favourite actress is definitely Park Min Young! I like her in every role. I think she is lovable and makes me feel for her character each time. I always find myself rooting for her in no time. As for my favourite actor, I think it’s Yoon Shi Yoon. He is not the best actor or anything but I think he always puts a lot of thought into his character and it shows in the details. I also love that he owns a lot of books in real life. *looks at her own hundreds of books* Q: What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: Healer! It is my all time favourite Korean drama and I think everyone (even if they haven’t watched Korean dramas before) would enjoy it. Action? Check. Romance? Check. Comedy? Check. Complex and relatable characters? Check. It is everything a drama lover can ask and more. Q: What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: . I’m going to be completely cliche here and say Boys Over Flowers. Sorry! I couldn’t stand that drama. I am a very easy to please person. As long as there’s a little something moving the drama forward, I tend to enjoy it and stick to it. But I was bored out of my mind. I kept checking the minutes too see how much was left of the episode. At the eighth episode, I gave up. Q: Your favourite k-drama couple? A: . Go Dok Mi and Enrique from Flower Boy Next Door. Their relationship was written with so much care and detail. I loved every second of it. The directing, the clothing styles, everything in the drama carried the romance into new levels. These two lonely people mended each other and became the best versions of themselves thanks to each other. There is no better romance that that.
Writer
Öykü
Designer
Fatima
20
Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A: Secret Garden was the first drama that I ever watched and if I thought all the dramas were going to be like it , I wouldn’t have watched dramas ever again. Something really seemed off to me about the male lead and how he treated the female lead but other than that the story was nice , just dragged for too long. Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A: Hwang Jung Eum is my queen! She absolutely slays everything she stars in and I’m just so happy she actually throws herself into everything she does and has gotten this far in her career. Yoo Ah In has got to be my favorite actor! He’s a lot like HJE in a way because they both are so expressive and like to play a wide range of characters. I’m still waiting on my HJE x YAI drama! Someone make it happen! Q: What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: I would say I hear your voice! Everyone I know loved it and it has got everything you need in a drama, from lovable leads to a strong plot! Q: What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: . I was going to say Heirs but it wasn’t as bad as Big! Gong Yoo’s and Lee Min Jung’s talent was wasted on this drama and I can’t believe I wasted my time watching it! I need those 16 hours refunded back! Q: Your favourite k-drama couple? A: . This is so hard! I would have to say Hwang Jung Eum and Jung Kyung Ho in Endless Love (they even have a ship name HanSeo - courtsey of the drama lol) I’m pretty sure a lot of people haven’t watched this drama but it will always have a special place in my heart! Jung Kyung Ho’s character , Kwang Chul or Fab Kwang Chul as I like to call him , was the absolute best to Seo In Ae (HJE’s character). He didn’t try to push himself on her and gave her room , he did whatever he could to help her and wasn’t selfish at all. For once it felt like a guy’s character existed to support the female and not the other way around.
Designer
Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A: I Am Sam (2007) was my very first kdrama and I honestly can’t remember much of it. I do remember the disappointment I felt about the ending, which would be unfortunate of me to reveal for anyone who would want to watch it right now (while reading this article, coincidentally.) The actors are still in the beginning of their careers so the acting isn’t top notch either, but they’re now big stars; Park Min Young, Lee Min Ho and Son Tae Young to mention a few. Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A:My favourite actress is Song Yoon Ah. She is a veteran and I love her for the projects she picks. Mama remains my absolute favourite drama after she blew me away with her portrayal as the terminally ill Han Sung Hee. She does women so well. I adore her to bits. As for a favourite actor, I have to go for Ahn Nae Sang. I have not seen a more diverse actor in my seven-eight years of drama watching. He can do absolutely anything: a loving father, a beggar, your greatest enemy, an abuser. Rise, Ahn Nae Sang, rise. Q: What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: I’d recommend Mama to everyone. It is no easy watch, but it is the one drama that will teach you the most about friendships between women. Q: What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A:Heirs. Need you ask why? Q: Your favourite k-drama couple? A: Choi In Kyung x Jin Sang Pil (Assembly). They were never romantically involved, but their relationship was one of the most genuine ones I’ve seen.
21
designer
AISHA
LÉA Q: What was your first k-drama and what did you like or didn’t like about it? A: Coffee Prince and I loved it. At first I couldn’t see anything wrong with it but as I grew up and watched more dramas, I began to recognize there were some big tropes in it so it was a bit cliché overall. But for a first drama it was awesome. I loved that the two characters had sex, as well as the maturity you could feel from the relationship of the second lead couple. I also liked the way they approached the question of homosexuality but now I really wish they had gone all the way and made it about two men in love. Q: Who is your favourite actor and actress and what do you like about them? A: I can’t decide between Park Shin Hye and Jung Eun Ji. I like them for the same reason: they feel super nice. They look utterly kind and sweet, it speaks to me on a deep level.For an actor, it’s a bit harder to choose because I don’t have an absolute favorite. I like a lot of them but if I had to choose one.It’s going to be a surprise but it’s Choi Min Soo. He really has something that make me swoon all over him, despite his age. Q: What is one drama you would definitely recommend to everyone? A: My Beautiful Bride I think. Although it would not be liked by everyone since it’s a very specific genre (dark and crime) but I feel it’s a really excellent drama that didn’t get the success it deserved. Q: What was one drama you felt like you didn’t enjoy at all? Almost like you wasted your time on it? A: I watched so many bad dramas so it’s a very difficult question, but I think Reply 1988. It was just so bloody long and I didn’t really like the lead actor, and I just find it all way too long and so damn boring. And since the episodes all feel needlessly long, I really felt like I wasted a lot of time and energy on it. And I didn’t like it at all from beginning to end so I just don’t know why I watched it in the end. Q: Your favourite k-drama couple? A: You really ask the hardest of questions you know? I guess it’s Ha Ji Won and Kim Min Jun in Damo The Legendary Police Woman. It was my first sageuk and third k-drama so obviously I have a lot of feelings about it. Plus I have a knack for tragic love stories , it was the most tragic Romeo & Juliet story of them all and I shipped them really reaaaally hard.
GIVEAWAY YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT!
To celebrate our first issue, we’re giving away a free yearly Viki or Dramafever pass to one lucky winner. The Rules
1) Read through the magazine 2) Reblog the post on our tumblr 3) Let us know what article was your favourite and what more you want to see from the magazine. [If you don’t have a tumblr account , email us your response] 4) One entry per person.
Follow all four steps and you’re entered into the giveaway. Giveaway closes February 29th and winner is announced March 2nd. Any questions? email kdramamag@hotmail.com
Drama Sp*tlight
With the amount of new dramas being released each year, it is impossible to even dream of watching them all. Usually the ones that gain the most attention, or have the highest audience ratings, are placed at the top of our list. But if we were to take a step into the world of unknown dramas, what would we find? Perhaps some hidden treasures? To help you start this journey I have compiled a list of underappreciated dramas that are worth watching. Written by: Sammy (@krdramas) Designed by: Aisha (@banghae)
A Witch’s Romance (2014) – rom/com (16 Eps)
Ban Ji Yeon (Uhm Jung Hwa) is a 39 year-old, career oriented woman. Her job as a fearless and honest reporter has earned her the nickname “witch”. While completing an assignment she happens to meet a 25 year-old, easy going man named Yoon Dong Ha (Park Seo Joon – yes, the same actor from She Was Pretty and Kill Me, Heal Me). Although their first encounter is not under the best circumstances, they grow close and rediscover feelings they both forgot existed. Author’s Note: A Witch’s Romance is one of my all-time favorite dramas, unfortunately it is not well known. The characters, Ban Ji Yeon and Yoon Dong Ha both have individual qualities that make them shine and tragic backstories that will break your heart. Ban Ji Yeon is significantly older, by fourteen years, than Yoon Dong Ha, making them a sweet Noona and Dongesaeng couple. But their respect and admiration for each other’s choices is even more touching, because it is rare in terms of Kdrama relationships. This drama is only sixteen episodes long, but it will make you laugh, cry, and want to rewatch every minute of it.
Warm and Cozy (2015) – rom/com (16 Eps)
When Lee Jung Joo (Kang So Ra) moves to Jeju Island in hopes of a better future, she stumbles upon a friend from the past. This friend, Baek Geon Woo (Yoo Yeon Seok), happens to be her next door neighbor. Baek Geon Woo is in the process of opening a new restaurant, with dreams of impressing the girl he likes. After a night of games and drinking, Lee Jung Joo somehow finds herself the owner of his restaurant – while he becomes her chef.
Author’s Note: I added Warm and Cozy to this list, because it was unexpectedly enjoyable. The female lead, Lee Jung Joo, is a strong and admirable character who has experienced many downfalls but keeps her spirits high. Baek Geon Woo on the other hand, comes off as a bit of a snob when we first meet him, but through some hilarious misinterpretations we come to see that he is a caring person. Together they begin running a restaurant and experience all that Jeju has to offer. As a bonus, every scene filmed in this drama is beautiful and makes you want to book a plane ticket to Jeju Island for your next holiday.
l 23
Mrs. Cop (2015) – Action/Crime (18 Eps)
Choi Yeong Jin (Kim Hee Ae) is an unmarried, leading detective who has an impressive record of arrests. As captain of her team, she leads newbies into the field and faces challenges from higher-ups. But her work at the police station is not as important to her as her daughter, Seo Ha Eun (Park Min Ha). Torn between her desire to be a present mother for her child and wanting to succeed at her job, Choi Yeong Jin finds herself questioning her role as a detective. Author’s Note: Mrs.Cop was one of the best dramas for me in 2015. Being used to watching multiple romance/comedy dramas, it was nice to have an action/crime show thrown into the mix. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean the show has no humor or romance! Each team member had an interesting story to tell, and after being with them for a few episodes you start to realize why they work so well together. My favorite part of this drama were the two female leads, Choi Yeong Jin and Min Do Yeong (Lee Da Hee). They both face many hardships and seeing them courageously deal with their problems made them inspirational characters.
Ex-Girlfriend Club (2015) – Rom/Com (12 Eps)
Kim Soo Jin (Song Ji Hyo) is a film producer whose company is in the process of failing. She bumps into an old friend, Bang Myeong Soo (Byun Yo Han), a webtoon artist looking into turning his work into a movie. When Kim Soo Jin finds herself with no other choices left, she accepts his offer and vows to bring his webtoon to life. The relationship they had in college slowly begins to shift from friendship to something more. But as the production of the movie starts, their relationship is tested in various - and quite hilarious - ways. Author’s Note: Even though I am still in the process of watching this drama, I wanted to include it on this list. The first few episodes have been so much fun to watch, with so many different kinds of unique characters. The leads both have such nice stories and their mutual crush on each other is too cute. There hasn’t been one episode that was boring, and even the second made lead is sympathetic. I can’t wait to see how this drama ends for all characters.
lllllllllllllllll*llllllllllllllll 24
Where are they now? I had the opportunity to sit down with three lovely ladies and talk about what they have been up to after all these years.
Starting with one of our first leading ladies ever, Geum Jan Di, who is now 25 and working with Doctors Without Borders. She decided to join the program after her late husband, Jun Pyo, died in a horrible helicopter accident. They were only on their honeymoon when it all happened and Jan Di channeled all her pain into helping others. Since then she’s been working non-stop, but says she’s never been happier. Apparently, she doesn’t want to get married ever again, she told us that “marriage life is not as easy as it is portrayed on television”. She prefers spending her time with her cats and the only friend she’s in touch with, Ga Eul, who recently got married to another teacher. The rest of the F4 are still friends, though.
25
Kim Sam Soon, our favorite baker, is now happier than ever before. After all the drama she had to go through to help her boss, Sam Shik, she’s finally at peace. She has her own bakery, which is a success in Seoul, and even opened a franchise in Busan. She’s working with her sister, and they both managed to be really successful with this business. After three attempts, she finally had a chance to go on another date with her blind date from the past, and now they are happily married. Sam Shik went back to America, but Hee Jin was already too happy with her boyfriend, Doctor Henry, to care about him. She’s never heard from him again.
We saved the best for last. We have Cha Eun Sang. She took a while to realize her dream boyfriend was not that dreamy, and when he went to the army she decided to pack her stuff and take off. We’re not allowed to disclose her location since Kim Tan may still be after her, so for the sake of her safety, just know that she’s in a good place with people that love her and cherish her. Eun Sang asked us to let you all know that “if your partner treats you the way Kim Tan treated me, they’re not good for you. You should leave that relationship” We thank her for her courage to leave an abusive environment, and wish her all the best. As for Kim Tan, he’s still insane. Idea by : @trishoday Written by: Tamara @bogummies Designed by : Fatima @jungeums
Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still looking for designers! If you enjoy being creative , know how to use Adobe Indesign and have got a lot of free time then shoot us an email at kdramamag@hotmail.com
THE DRAMA THAT CHANGED IT ALL written and designed by : Lea @brainlessoutofdate
jin se yeon in Bridal mask The drama that changed everything for Jin Se Yeon was Bridal Mask, which was also the one that revealed Joo Won. Bridal Mask is a dark and violent drama, with torture scenes and a tormented anti-hero. Jin Se Yeon plays an insurgent to the japanese regime. The young woman is often critized for her acting ability. Nonetheless, Jin Se Yeon is still popular enough to keep being casted by directors, as we can currently see her in the web-drama High End Crush, and she will soon be on screen again in the sageuk The Flower in Prison (april). You can also see her in Daughters of Club Bilitis (tv movie), Five Fingers, Inspiring Generation and Doctor Stranger.
Kim Ji Won in What’s Up ? She was discovered alongside Lim Ju Hwan, Lim Ju Eun, Lee Soo Hyuk and Cho Jung Seok in the musical drama What’s Up? Dreams, aspirations, and of course musicals, are at the heart of this drama, which follow six students of the Haneul Arts University as they grow up and deal with their future, but also with their past. The success of What’s Up ? landed her as the second female lead in To The Beautiful You, and The Heirs. Highly popular, that drama confirmed her talents as an actress, and she received the New Star Award for it. You can also watch Kim Ji Won in Waiting for Love (2 episodes) Gap Dong, One Sunny Day (web-drama) and in Descendants of the Sun (february 24).
,
jo in sung iN What happened in bali Jo In Sung’s popularity is undisputable and while we may know him more thanks to That Winter, The Wind Blow, it’s with Piano that he first gained attention , a quite depressing story about a family that share no blood. I didn’t think you could do more sad or bleak than Piano but then came What Happened in Bali, which really revealed him in the mediatic industry. What Happened in Bali might very well be the most gloomy drama I have ever seen, so you’re warned. Four tormented people meet in Bali. Once in Seoul, fate keeps throwing them together. They start developing a complicated and twisted relationship. He plays alongside So Ji Sub and Ha Ji Won (she was already quite reknown back then, thanks to the sageuk Damo). You can also see Jo In Sung in Shoot for the Stars, Great Ambitions, Spring Days, and It’s Okay That’s Love.
Jung Kyung Ho in cruel city More and more popular every passing day, Jung Kyung Ho starred in many succesful dramas such as Sorry, I Love You, Time Between Dog and Wolf, Princess Ja Myung, Smile, You. But it’s with the excellent Cruel City that he accessed the next level of fame, in a story about undercover agents, gangsters and love. You can also see him in Endless Love, Fall in Love with Soon Jung and One More Happy Ending (currently airing). 27
jung so min in playful kiss This actress shines more brightly with each new project, having just finished the great D Day. She was first noticed for looking a lot like Yoon Eun Hye in her very drama, Bad Guy. She then did Playful Kiss, which confirmed her as a rising actress. Based on a japanes drama, this rom-com covers the high school romance between an arrogant genius and a silly and a bit stalkerish student with poor grades. You can also see her in Standby, Can We Get Married, You Came to Me and Became a Star (tv movie), and Big Man.
Lee Jin Wook in i need romance 2 After multiples dramas, he finally got noticed by netizens in the second season of I Need Romance. He plays a writer with a lot of sentimental issues, who also happens to share a house with his ex- girlfriend / first love. Their relationship is complicated, but the arrival of a rival might finally force him to reveal his true feelings. You can also see him in Someday, Smile Again, Air City, Formidable Rivals, Before and After: Plastic Surgery Clinic, City of Glass, Spy Myeong Wol, Nine : Nine Times Time Travel, The Three Musketeers, The Time That I Loved You, and Goodbye Mr. Black (16 march).
Jung Yoo Mi in Maids After various secondary roles, or unnoticed dramas, Jung Yoo Mi finally got her chance to shine in the sageuk Maids, where she plays a noble whose family is arrested and killed for high treason on the day of her wedding. She is then sentenced to serve as a maid in the house of those who were about to become her in-laws. You can also see her in Friend, Our Legend, A Thousand Days’ Promise, Rooftop Prince, Wonderful Mama, Mother’s Garden. Currently starring in Six Flying Dragons.
Song Jae Rim in The Moon Embracing The Sun While he’s rarely casted as a male lead character, Song Jae Rim still beneficiates from a steady and secure popularity. He was noticed very quickly in the sageuk The Moon Embracing The Sun, despite having a relatively small role. A story about the death of the fiance of the prince. Years after the event, the young man, now king of Joseon, is still haunted by the disappearence of his first love. He then falls in love with a female shaman. Song Jae Rim plays the loyal bogyguard of the king. You can also watch him in Nail Shop Paris, Two Weeks, Inspiring Generation, Surplus Princess, Unkind Lady, and Goodbye Mr. Black (16 march).
Yoon Si Yoon in King of Baking, Kim Tak Goo The beloved Yoon Si Yoon (they say it’s not a cult but I know it is) just finished his military service. He first apparead in High Kick! 2, but it’s with the makjang King of Baking that he was revealed to the netizens. He plays a young aspiring baker who comes from a family full of secrets. You can also see Yoon Si Yoon in Me Too, Flower!, Flower Boy Next Door and The Prime Minister and I. 28
Second Lead Syndrome Written by: Öykü (@akinobushu) Designed by: Aisha (@banghae)
Close your eyes. Imagine your ideal romantic partner. They are funny, clever, gentle. They love you for who you are. They respect you and your boundaries. They are always there for you. Also, they can cook. They can do anything, really. Except for being a first male lead in a Korean drama. If you are new to Korean dramas and you are thinking that the sweet guy with puppy eyes will make the heroine fall for him, I have some news for you. You are one step short of falling into the endless pit we call the Second Lead Syndrome. Because the heroine will fall for that guy she despises with all her heart and you will be left clutching your heart, asking why. Really though. Why? Let’s talk about it.
“What an insufferable, rude man!”* The male leads in Korean dramas are often cold, stoic, assertive, rich , and successful. Some of them are downright abusive. (Those are not the male leads we are going to discuss though, because that would be a whole another article.) Saying they are unlikable would be an understatement. At the beginning; the hero is horrible to our nice, hardworking, probably poor but good at heart heroine. He makes her cry, they bicker endlessly and at some point they both loathe each other. While the hero is tormenting the heroine, the lovely second lead is always there for her, already fallen for her for who she is. He supports her, helps her self esteem, listens to her. But in the end the heroine still falls in love with the lead even though the second lead is so appealing to us, the viewers. The thing is, well, that’s what the second lead exists for! They should be the Wickham to the lead’s Darcy. If they weren’t so overall perfect, there wouldn’t be any conflict, any drama at all.
(Park Shin Hye, Jang Geuk Suk and Jung Yong Hwa in You’re Beautiful)
They need to be good enough for the love triangle to make sense. But in the end, their role is to prove to us that the leads’ love is true love. Because our heroine, even though there is a perfect guy right next to her, still falls for the flawed one she despised at the beginning. It must be true love!
“Charlie, don’t you get it? I can’t feel that.”** I think one of the biggest failures of the second male leads is that, they can not muster the courage to confess their feelings until it’s too late. They are sweet and caring but the heroine never sees it as something beyond friendship, because she is never told otherwise. Loving is all good and nice, but when you can’t make the heroine feel that love, if you don’t make a move and let your intentions known, how can you expect her to notice you? Shin Woo from You’re Beautiful is the most glaring example of this. He had a million chances to confess but instead he continued the charade, going as far as telling Go Mi Nam to call him hyung.
“I was wrong, I was entirely wrong about him.”** When it comes to Korean drama romances, there is a common theme in all the good ones and that is growth. The story is never just about the romance. 29
We watch it unfold through our heroine’s less than perfect life. At the beginning, there is always a huge difference between where our heroine is and where she could be. The love story is just a part of her journey to self discovery. That’s where the second lead falls into a disadvantage. He loves the heroine for who she is but the heroine’s journey needs her to become a better version of herself. Just like the hero. (Though his is a much rockier path because he also needs to learn basic things like how to be a decent human being.) The hero and the heroine fight and bicker. They bring out the worst in each other. They mess up colossally and the other is there to call them out on it. They realize their mistakes and try to become better, to make it right. While the second lead is busy stumbling over his words, not being able to get across his feelings, or brooding with a cup of coffee in his hand; the leads are already starting to grow together as people. The male lead becomes more understanding because the heroine challenges him to look at the world from another perspective. She doesn’t turn a bad person into a good one. That can’t be done and that kind of romance idea is false at best. But she brings out the good qualities that was deep, very deep, inside him. It’s the same for heroine too. The hero doesn’t see her as someone breakable or weak. He sees the strength in her, he treats her as an equal and helps her see her worth. While the second lead is trying to protect the heroine from the world, to become her shield against it; the hero helps her sharpen her knives and stand against the world on her own two feet. In the end, that’s the person she picks as her lifelong companion.
(Hwang Jung Eum and Choi Si Won in She Was Pretty)
My heart still hurts! I know, dear reader, and it’s meant to. I know the feeling too well. The Korean drama writers write those beautifully heartbreaking scenes with the second male leads, because they probably use our tears to stay young. Even though I dig character development too much to fall for the second lead most of the time, I still can’t help it either. Some second leads definitely had a chance and would have been more logical if they had been the end game (Gong Tae Kwang shippers, let me see your hands) and some of them still broke our hearts, even though we understood why the heroine didn’t choose him. (Who else ugly sobbed when Jeremy sang a song for Go Mi Nam or Shin Hyuk asked Hye Jin to remember him whenever she saw pickled radish?) But at the end of the day, it’s the lady’s choice. She is not a prize to be won and someone being more qualified, doesn’t mean that she has to pick him. Her story is what I’m interested in and her happiness is my priority. I’m sure another sweet romance is around the corner for all our second male leads anyway. I volunteer! *Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen **The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky
(Kim So Hyun and Yook Sung Jae in School 2015)
30
y pp a H ! y a D s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; e n i t n e l Va
see you next month.