2015: The Return of A-List Actresses to Kdrama

2015 may be the best year to witness and watch A-list actresses in dramaland as some of them have dramas line-ups ready to greet the audience. Some A-list actresses who work in Korean dramas and movies industry long enough have decided to comeback and give viewers something to wait for. Ha Ji Won, Song Hye Kyo, Gong Hyo Jin, Kim Sun Ah, Soo Ae, and Lee Young Ae are cast for several different dramas on the upcoming months. While the others, like Shin Min Ah also likely to be cast in new dramas. While the likes of Ha Ji Won and Gong Hyo Jin still acted in dramas last year, the rest are on long hiatus from dramaland and prefer movies or even completely going on hiatus from acting like Kim Sun Ah and Lee Young Ae. That’s why this year, their comebacks are anticipated by fans and kdrama aficionados in and outside Korea.

Here are the previews of their upcoming dramas.

Korea Drama Festival 2014 Nominations List

A new  and (relatively unknown) awards show is showing up this year, Korea Drama Festival 2014 or usually called KDF. Taken from Visit Korea website, The Korea Drama Festival, first started in 2006, is an event celebrating Korean dramas—loved not only by Koreans, but by people all around the world. I don’t know if it’s such prestigious and accountable award in Korea, but at least it include both cable and major networks shows. Though truth to be told, I’m left scratching my head at some nominations and you will wonder if South Korea only produces 10 shows or so during 2013-2014. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some nominations, my favorite to win, and most likely to win.

Empress Ki Fanarts

Empress Ki may has been so long passed and new dramas are gracing our days now. But I still miss this drama. For Empress Ki's viewers and fans, especially TaNyang (Ji Chang Wook-Ha Ji Won) shippers, here are some work of fan aka fan arts. Some are simply beautiful to look at.

The Laments of Empress Ki’s (International) Viewers

I always love sageuk or korean historical drama. There’s something different in sageuk than the modern drama can’t capture. As readers may know, I really fell in love with Empress Ki, a sageuk about Goryeo-born woman who made her way to be Yuan Dynasty Empress. This drama is already ended months ago, but I still can’t let it go because it holds special place in my heart. Sadly, while I love this drama, there come laments and sorrows, especially for international viewers.

Actress’ Profile: Ha Ji Won

Ha Ji Won, dubbed as ‘Box Office Queen’, ‘Queen of Chemistry’, ‘Korean Angelina Jolie’ as well as recognized as One of The Most Beautiful Korean Actresses by her fans. She has impressive resume in both films and dramas, ranging from historical, action, romantic comedy, and melodrama genres. She never failed to impress both fans and critics and her hard-working character just highlighted what fans call her “amazing yeoja” or amazing woman. 

According to her profile in mydramalist, Ha Ji Won has acted in no less than 12 dramas and 21 movies. Many of her projects, if not all, are memorable and leaving deep impression to the viewers. 

Here I reviewed some of her projects that I watch:

1. Secret Garden (drama, 2010)

Probably the most famous project that done by Ha Ji Won until now. “Secret Garden” is very popular both domestically and internationally, even inspired some gags and parodies in Korea and beyond. Her chemistry with Hyun Bin is very palpable and sizzling. Her character, Gil Ra Im is a strong, independent stuntwoman makes it even more interesting. As a trademark from the writer, this drama is littered by skinships and unforgettable romantic scenes, like push up and foam kiss. Forget some illogical plots, just watch it for the chemistry between Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin will leave you satisfied. Many fans become shippers for the two and called the couple HyunWon Couple, JB or Amazing Couple.

2. King 2 Hearts (drama, 2012)

Ha Ji Won played as Kim Hang Ah here, special service agent from North Korea that end up marrying South Korean prince, played by Lee Seung Gi. As always, Ha Ji Won showed her feistiness, badassery, amazing action skills that will wowed the viewers. Her North Korean accent is quite funny and cute but as the story progressed she was no longer the badass woman, she needed to remind her position and become damsel in distress in the second half of the drama. Still, the drama itself is pretty good and received good reviews although it’s not doing well in terms of ratings in South Korean because of the sensitive issue.

3. As One (movie, 2012)

A movie about sport, table tennis in particular, and this movie is what make me a fan of HJW. A very good movie based on true story about United Korean team in Table Tennis World Championship 1991. I really love her hard work that makes the movie believable eventhough she never plays table tennis before. Besides, I also love her chemistry with co-star Bae Doo Na. Together, they set fire on this movie and I was glued to my screen watching two actresses acting. She really embodied athlete Hyun Jung Hwa, her character in the movie as I imagine she’s the real athlete herself.

Ha Ji Won as Hyun Jung Hwa in As One

4. Hwang Jin Yi (drama, 2006)

If As One made me love Ha Ji Won, this drama made me hate her and her character. Actually, objectively Hwang Jin Yi is a good drama. It has great directing, cinematography, acting, and the clothes are so beautiful. But personally, I hate the drama. I hate the plot and the characters. I hate the writer for making male lead Kim Jae Won that played Kim Jung Han character so pathetic and pitiful. Ha Ji Won’s character is also really difficult to relate to. Most of the time, she acted as cryptic character that I basically can’t understand her actions because I don’t know what she feel and what she think. Although I hate the drama, I really love to talk about this drama because there are so many interesting aspects. It touches arts, gender, and feminism in Joseon era. 

Ha Ji Won as Hwang Jin Yi

5. 100 Days With Mr. Arrogant (movie, 2004)

To wash away my disappointment with “Hwang Jin Yi”, I watched this movie right away finished the drama. It also starred Ha Ji Won and Kim Jae Won as in Hwang Jin Yi. For me this movie is like reincarnated story of Hwang Jin Yi and Kim Jung Han. Thanks God, it’s romcom, light and funny. Although Ha Ji Won’s character, Kang Ha Young sometimes irritating and stupid, it’s no different than many heroines in Asian dramas so I can stand her.  Played as highschooler when she’s 26 in real life, requires suspension of disbelief from viewers. At least, Ha Ji Won makes it work with her childish and innocent character. The ending doesn’t disappoint me either for the reincarnated story of Hwang Jin Yi.

6. Empress Ki (drama, 2013-2014)

Ha Ji Won’s latest drama, a romance action political sageuk that become hit and makes it one of the highest rated dramas in year 2013 and 2014. With 51 episodes, Empress Ki is pretty solid from the beginning although the plots become murky and shaky in the second half of the drama. Ha Ji Won is commanding as Ki Seung Nyang, a Goryeo-born woman who becomes concubine and eventually empress in Yuan Dynasty.  Her chemistry with co-stars, Ji Chang Wook and Joo Jin Mo is nothing short of amazing. In the last few episodes, even Jin Yi Han that played Tal Tal character got the chance to showcase his chemistry with Ha Ji Won. Empress Ki also showed acting ranges of Ha Ji Won, from boyish girl, to fearless servant, to the mother of two sons and Emperor’s wife.

Ha Ji Won in Empress Ki

That’s a few dramas and movies that I select to review Ha Ji Won’s career and acting. Having starred in many hit dramas and movies, Ha Ji Won received many acting and numerous other recognitions. Not only that, Ha Ji Won also starred in numerous MVs, CFs, act as cultural ambassador, and many other activities.

As an actress, Ha Ji Won displays very rare ability in an actor. She shines in all genres, whether it’s period or melodramas, whether it’s action or comedy. It’s quite surprising she never do a medical drama until now considering she has acted in every genre. She also makes her co-star shines alongside her. It’s the case of Hyun Bin in Secret Garden, Lee Seung Gi in King 2 Hearts, and Ji Chang Wook in Empress Ki. Her co-stars tend to perform better and have adequate and sometimes explosive chemistry with her. On the other hand, Ha Ji Won’s acting still lacks something. She tends to play cold-hearted woman and cryptic characters. Her characters in Hwang Jin Yi and Empress Ki are the best example. It’s really hard to connect to the character and follow her logic if we don’t know what she’s actually thinking and feeling. Acting needs subtlety and expressions changes, but Ha Ji Won’s acting is still less subtle and when she plays poker face, we know almost nothing because her expressions not tell us anything. It sometimes leaves me cold to her character. However, it’s just her characters in dramas or movies that troubled me. I really love her in variety shows and from the glimpses of her real life via interviews, etc she’s really a funny woman that always makes me laugh. She literally just laughs at anything every time. That’s what makes me love her. Ha Ji Won, amazing woman!

Source: mydramalist, HJW Soompi

  

(04.05.2014) MBC Section TV Empress Ki Special

There are 2 MBC video cuts I have. One is about Empress Ki in general and one is Ha Ji Won’s interview.

 

A Brief Summary of Empress Ki 

The first one here is a summary of drama “Empress Ki” or as the narrator said “Empress Ki Last Goodbye”. The video explains a lot of things below:

1. Empress Ki’s death row - whereas almost all characters get killed. Wang Yoo, Ta Hwan, Empress Dowager, Lord Zhang, Golta

2. Supporting characters

3. Love triangle among Wang Yoo – Seung Nyang – Ta Hwan

4. Three best lines in the drama:

3rd place: SN to TH: "The power of the emperor does not come from the nobles, but from the people"

2nd place: Tal Tal to SN: "Betrayal is not caused by man, but by time"

1st place: TH to SN: "When I first broke out of my shell, you were my mother bird!"

         

5. Empress Ki’s men: Wang Yoo, Ta Hwan, Tal Tal

6. Empress Ki BTS

Ha Ji Won Interview - rough translation (Kor-Chi) credit EK Baidu

I only get translations for related to Empress Ki drama.

Ha Ji Won is photographed then she moved to interview. She introduced herself.

The MC says Tahwan's gets jealous really easily, and wonders if he'll ever be able to interview him after what happened (referring to the MC positioning himself as a 'choice' for HJW).

HJW: Don't worry. I can take him down easily with just one hand [on his neck].

HJW mentions JJM's skills at imitating other people's voices, and his skill at always being able to make the atmosphere on set more lively. 

The MC then asks HJW about the three men in "Empress Ki" - 

HJW: I would like someone who is funny, has a great sense of humour and is sexy.

MC: Aren't I the perfect one then? *takes off sweater*

HJW: I like tall people (thus rejecting the MC). 

Side note: JYH and JCW's heights are listed as 1.80, according to Naver/Nate, JJM's unlisted but assumed to be 1.80 by most sites.

MC: When we talk about memorable pairings, Hyun Bin from the hugely popular Secret Garden is someone that must be mentioned.

HJW: At the time, my collaboration with HB was the best. Now, my collaboration with Ji Changwook-sshi and Joo Jinmo sunbae are the best.

Source: EK Soompi

MBC Changes Empress Ki Ending At the Rebroadcast

What’s crazier than dating an alien in dramaland? A drama changes its ending. Not once, but twice these past few weeks alone. First, there’s SBS God’s Gift 14 Days give viewers a special episode contained alternate ending. Not changing much, but a longer scenes and more satisfying one. Second, this week (4/5/2014) MBC Empress Ki changed the ending on the rebroadcast episode. Not just one or two minutes but almost five minutes of the final episode has been changed. It changed some of the storylines, narration, flashback, up until the last scene. 

We don’t know why MBC doing this? I know MBC’s crazy but I don’t know they would change the ending. Some source said that MBC and production staffs simply don’t have time to edit to a better version because they shoot until noon the day final episode aired. So as to not make everyone confused I will called it the rebroadcast version.

Okay, so what are the changes? According to fans in DC Empress Ki and Empress Ki forum here they are:

1. Removed: Scene of SN changing into her black Koryo robes
2. In the scene where SN orders troops to be sent to Koryo, King of Shenyang does not appear
3. Added: scene of Jocham saying that Yeom Byeongsu is at the Koryo village
4. Added: SN sits on the throne and bans the concubine tribute practice from Goryeo
5. Added: About King Gongmin, Eunuch Bang brought him over to Yuan, introduced him to Ki, and she asked him to become the King of Goryeo.
6. Removed: SN deliberating which horse to choose --> Changed to: SN riding with TH (no more WY)
7. Added: Narration by Ayu (the voice of an older Ayu)
8. Added: Coronation scene after the horse riding scene
9. Changed: Ending epilogue text about King of Shenyang being killed
10. Changed: ending still shots

From this:

Original ending shot

To this: 

Rebroadcast ending shot

What’s in Ayu and Seung Nyang's voiceover in horse-riding scene?

While they show the scene of TH and SN riding on the same horse, we hear a voiceover of Ayu talking to SN.

Ayu: "Mother, are you a Koryo person or a Yuan?"

SN: "Why do you ask that?"

Ayu: "The Koryo people say that you are a Yuan, but the Yuan people say that you are a Koryo person"

SN: "That is not important. I'm merely fighting for the sake of my people. Whatever happens, the people must always be protected"(then scene slowly fades to the coronation scene)

That’s quite many changes right? At least, in this ending, Seung Nyang is given the chance to rule as Empress and there’s clear explanation. No more love triangle, but the ending signify Seung Nyang journey as Empress Ki. It’s better ending in my opinion but of course MBC can’t hope to save the drama that aired its final episode a week ago. It’s just to paper over the cracks.

Source: EK Soompi, EK DC

Bonus:

EK rebroadcast version:
Torrent file:https://t.co/ipt4uQiRhG

Google drive

Drama Review: Empress Ki (2013-2014)

Rating: 8/10

Main Cast:

Ha Ji Won as Ki Seung Nyang/Empress Ki

Joo Jin Mo as Wang Yoo

Ji Chang Wook as Ta Hwan aka Pyeha

Baek Jin Hee as Tanashiri

Jeon Guk Hwan as Yeonchul/El Temur

Jin Yi Han as Tal Tal

Kim Jung Hyun as Dangkise

The Plot:

                Koryeo-born woman, Ki Seung Nyang fell in love with her king during their time together. However some bad fates made her end up in Yuan as maid in Yuan Palace. She wanted revenge to her family and country only to be loved by Yuan Emperor. The journey to be an empress, that’s what drama all about.

Review:

“A very rough and bumpy ride.”

                A long sageuk drama (51 episodes) as MBC trying to revive the glory of historical sageuk like Dae Jang Geum, Queen Seondeok, and Dong Yi, this drama proves to be very popular and reigns at number 1 spot in the entire run. A star-studded cast leads by Ha Ji Won, an actress considered as Korean beauty and box office hit.  To make up the central love triangle, Joo Jin Mo and Ji Chang Wook played as Koryeo King and Yuan Emperor respectively. The production behind of this drama is rather uneven pair, PD Han Hee of atrocious Dr. Jin and pair writers Jang Young Cheol and Jung Kyung Soon of Giant and History of Salaryman. But fear not, this drama actually has another PD who’s talented and the directing is pretty good. Besides, the cinematography and the clothes are feast on the eyes. We won’t likely get bored when watching this drama.

Coronation Scene

                The drama started off strongly. The first scene was coronation scene of Empress Ki which been shot in Forbidden City, China. Then, the story flashed back to the days when Seung Nyang was in Koryeo. In the first few episodes Ha Ji Won cross-dressed as a man and can play the part convincingly. The plot was interesting and moved fast. Then after episode 7, the majority story moves to Yuan Palace. For the majority of episodes the main villain is El Temur, played by Jeon Guk Hwan. After that, the villain is not clearly established because everyone can be enemy to everyone. That made identity crisis to the plot after the death of El Temur. The story is still interesting, but the writers appear to avoid making bold decisions.

Hero/villain?

                Afterall the real villains actually are the writers. For 51 episodes the writers made everyone suffer and give them a very little happiness. The characters had numerous fights against each other and killed each other. The love triangle is being dragged until the final week, even after Seung Nyang becomes an empress. Despite the story that sometimes frustrating, this drama benefits from great acting from everyone from main cast to supporting characters. Some become scene-stealer like Jin Yi Han, some are underutilized like Joo Jin Mo. The stars of the show are Ji Chang Wook and Ha Ji Won. Their journey and their multidimensional characters are a joy to watch. Their romantic scenes are truly romantic and melted the heart of viewers. Their confrontation scenes are great but painful to watch. Their relationship is facing many obstacles but their love to each other can’t be denied. Their height of the relationship ultimately results in a son, Ayushiridara, the crown prince. Their skinship scenes actually the most ever happen in any sageuk drama that usually restrained skinship.

Skinship

                 Ta Hwan, Yuan Emperor, once said in a episode, “I believed there was more than power and gold in life”. Yeah, if the characters don’t care about power and gold, they won’t kill each other and this drama won’t exist.

Plus:

-A great cast and great acting by everyone

-Good cinematography and has very beautiful clothes, especially Empress Ki’s clothes

 -Very addictive

-The most romantic and having most skinships sageuk ever.

Minus:

-long drama, 51 episodes

-Solid writing in the beginning, then suffered from writers’ indecisiveness and many illogical plots

-A bit difficult to find a good english sub and download this drama (but you can DL via torrent)

-Has many political plots

Life lessons:

1. If you love someone, make sure you tell him/her ASAP

2. Revenge is bad for everyone

3. Sometimes the one who will hurt you is the one closest to you

4. You can learn history (although distorted), geopolitics, diplomacy, culture, etc.