Lie to Me Review 내게 거짓말을 해봐

(Also known as Sweet Scandal)

[Genre: Comedy, romance]

{Korean}

Lie to Me is a Korean drama about a woman who tells a lie that turns into a much bigger lie. Yet, this lie leads her to finding love. Lie to Me is a good drama, but I don't think it's a drama I will ever be watching again. There were a few things that I didn't like about it. But, first, I will go over what I did like.

The Cast Members

The actors that were in this drama were great. I have no complaints about anyone. Yoon Eun Hye, who also starred in Take Care of the Young Lady and Goong, plays Gong Ah Jung in Lie to Me. Ah Jung feels inferior to her friend, Yoo So Ran, because she flaunts her marriage in front of her. It doesn't help that So Ran's husband is Ah Jung's first love. One day, Ah Jung lies that she is married to show her friend that she is capable of being married too.

Kang Ji Hwan, from Hong Gil Dong and Coffee House, did a great job of acting as Hyun Gi Jun. The moments I liked the most from him were when he was acting childish. I enjoyed seeing that side of the seemingly serious businessman.

Interesting Plot

Another aspect of Lie to Me that I liked was the plot. It was interesting how a simple lie that never directly involved Hyun Gi Jun evolved to include him. Gong Ah Jung and Hyun Gi Jun became tangled up in their web of lies, each gaining something from it. Yet, they still managed to fall in love with each other.

Two Amazing Kiss Scenes

Another reason I think that Lie to Me is a drama worth watching is because of the two great kiss scenes. They have officially gone down under my favorite kiss scenes list! (which just gets longer as time goes on)

Honesty?

One of the things that I didn't like about this Korean drama was that Hyun Ki Joon said that one of the things he likes about Gong Ah Jung is her honesty. With the amount of lies in this drama... How on Earth can you say that she is honest? Do I have to watch Lie to Me again just to count how many times she told a lie? Even after the truth was out, she continued to lie! She was not honest and open about her feelings and what was going on in her life.

Don't get me wrong; I like Ah Jung, but she I wouldn't use honest as a word to describe her. Most people do tell a few lies, though. Few people are truly completely honest. I just wish he wouldn't have listed that as one of the qualities he likes about her. Plus, I bet his aunt would find it strange to since Ah Jung lied about being married to him. Then he's all like I love her honesty. It's a bit ironic.

If you want an example of an honest person, watch the Japanese drama Liar Game. The lead female is a good example of an honest woman. Poor girl was so honest she kept getting tricked with lies. That is actually one of my favorite dramas, by the way. I highly recommend it! Make sure that you start from season 1, because each season is a continuation.

Slow for the Last Few Episodes

Finally, I didn't like that Lie to Me was slow for the last few episodes of the drama. I actually didn't care about what would happen next. I was in no rush to watch the next episode like I usually am with good dramas. I could go to sleep or do something else without the drama even crossing my mind. It is very important to me to be hooked to a drama the entire time. I love to be dying to know what will happen next and actually care.

Despite the things I didn't like about Lie to Me, I still think it's a drama worth watching. Perhaps, you will enjoy it even more than I did. I really do love the concept of a lie turning into love. That's why I would recommend giving this Korean drama a chance.

Dream High 2 Episode 6

If you are looking for a place to watch Dream High 2 episode 6 with English subs, then click here.

SPOILER

Before I even started watching this episode, I saw the picture of Yoo Jin and Rian embracing, so I was both a bit worried and confused. Yet, I still found it hard to believe that he would hug her. I decided there must have been some sort of explanation. He seems to like Hae Sung, so I figured the moment with Rian wouldn't be what it seemed.

And I was right. He protected her from being hit in the face with a cake. I think it was a very sweet thing for him to do, but it doesn't mean that he likes her. You can be kind to someone without it meaning something more.

At the beginning of the episode, Rian embarrasses Hae Sung in front of everyone by proving that Hae Sung was the one who took the batteries out of the microphone. Honestly, I don't blame Rian for doing this. Who wouldn't want their name to be cleared? Who wants to be blamed for something that they didn't do? This is why it's better to tell the truth from your own mouth. It's so much worse when it's revealed later on.

However, I do think that Rian is going a bit overboard. She continues treating Hae Sung badly even after she revealed the truth. I wish she would just get over it now, although I can understand why she doesn't like Hae Sung. I still feel like continuing to treat her that way is a bit unnecessary. But, it wouldn't be a drama without any conflict, right?

When Hae Sung tries giving the Dream High K Pendant back to Rian, Rian takes it and drops it on the floor saying she doesn't want it anymore. I bet that Hae Sung is going to hold onto it for now. Just as in the first Dream High, I think that when the time comes, Hae Sung will pass the necklace on to someone else who is struggling.

Buy a Dream High K Pendant for yourself!

When Hae Sung was practicing singing with the group, Yoo Jin was a bit harsh. I understand that it's for her own good and he was just trying to help her out. But, how he went about it had the opposite effect. I think that Hae Sung's biggest problems are lack of self confidence and becoming nervous. By being harsh, it only makes her more nervous.

Toward the end of the sixth episode of Dream High 2, Hae Sung is in the practice room singing and playing the piano. JB overhears her and asks her to finish the song. Rian and Yoo Jin walk in on them and misunderstand the situation. In my opinion, they have no right to be that upset considering they showed up together. What were they planning to do in the practice room?

I am beginning to like JB more now, because he is being more kind. I will admit the scene with him wiping Hae Sung's tears was cute, but I still want him to be with Rian.

Overall, I am really enjoying Dream High 2. I like that it is different from the first, yet has some of the same elements. For example, the outcast, the K Pendant, the inferior class, and the secret classes. I think because Dream High was so outstanding that it is harder for some people to like the second season. The first Dream High did set the bar pretty high. I don't think Dream High 2 will be better, but I am enjoying it nonetheless.

Dream High 2 Episode 5

I just finished watching the 5th episode of Dream High 2 and enjoyed it. If you are looking for a place to watch it with English subs, then click here.

SPOILER

This episode begins with the singing competition. I was hoping that Shin Hae Sung and Yoo Jin would win, but they didn't. However, I am not surprised. It seems too early on for them to succeed. I was disappointed in Hae Sung, whereas proud of Yoo Jin. Hae Sung took out the batteries in her microphone and caused both her and Rian to be eliminated. Everyone, except for JB and Yoo Jin, believes that Rian is the one who took the batteries out.

Hae Sung should have at least tried to sing, instead of standing there silently. How can she achieve her dream if she doesn't even try?

I am proud of Yoo Jin, because he danced well. At first, he was just standing there, but he mustered up the courage to try. I think that his reluctance to dance was a combination of fear and the fact that he dislikes pop music. Beforehand, he would refuse to try dancing. Due to wanting to beat JB, he worked hard at learning how to dance.

When Yoo Jin stepped in to prevent Hae Sung from admitting that she was the one who took the batteries out of the microphone, I thought it was sweet. Yet, I think that he shouldn't have done that. It is always better for the truth to come out of your own mouth than another.

I don't like JB, but I do agree with him on one thing. Hae Sung lacks self confidence. I am hoping that she will start believing in herself and become a good singer. JB seems to be overflowing with confidence to the point that it is arrogance. Perhaps, he should give some to her.

After the competition, the students assigned to the lower class were sent away for training. As I suspected, the Dream High K Pendant, appears again in Dream High 2. Surprisingly, Rian is the one who has the necklace. I wonder if somehow someone else will get ahold of the necklace, just as in the first season of Dream High. If you are like me and want one of those necklaces for yourself, then click here!

My favorite scene from this episode of Dream High 2 is when Yoo Jin sings a song for Shin Hae Sung in the woods and then gives her a piggy back ride back. I think they look very cute together. Hopefully, they will end up together. JB and Rian seem like a good couple to me also. From the flashback, you can tell that JB did have a more gentle side to him. Even now, he still obviously cares about Rian. Therefore, I hope JB and Rian will be together.

2012 Korean Drama List

If you are looking for 2012 Korean drama to watch, then this list will provide you with over 50 different options! To help save you time seeking out these upcoming dramas on your own, I compiled them into a list. From romance to comedy to historical, you will find any genre you are looking for. For more information on a drama, please visit my page on 2012 Korean dramas. This will provide you with details about the genre, airing time, short synopsis, and where you can watch it.

A Gentleman's Dignity

A Thousand Kisses

A Wife's Credentials

Absolutely Him

Bachelor's Vegetable Store

Bridal Mask

Bride of the Sun

Color of a Woman

Come, Come, Absolutely Come

Dangerous Woman

Dream High 2

The Equator Man

Faith

Feast of the Gods

Full House 2

Glowing She

God of War

Gwanggaeto Dae Wang

Fashion King

Fermentation Family

Heaven's Garden

Hero

High Kick 3

Hooray for Love

I Live in Cheongdam Dong

I Need a Fairy

If Tomorrow Comes

Ji Woon Soo's Stroke of Good Luck

Just Like Today

Just You

The King

King Taejong Muyeol

Korean Peninsula

Lights and Shadows

Live in Style

Love Rain

The Moon that Embraces the Sun

My Daughter the Flower

Ojakgyo Brothers

Operation Proposal

Padam Padam... The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats

Queen Insoo

Rooftop Prince

Salamander Guru and the Gang

Salaryman

Saving Mrs. Go Bong Shil

Speed

Shut Up Flower Boy Band

Syndrome

Take Care of Us, Captain

TV Novel Bok Hee

Twelve Men in a Year

Vampire Idol

What's Up?

When Women Powder Twice

Wild Romance

You Who Rolled in Unexpectedly

What 2012 Korean drama(s) are you looking forward to? Do you have any that you would recommend? What 2012 Korean dramas do you plan on watching?

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho 내여자친구는구미호

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is a great Korean drama that melds three of my favorite genres together: comedy, romance, and fantasy. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho stars Lee Seung Gi as Cha Dae Woong and Shin Min Ah as Gu Mi Ho.

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is about a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox, who falls in love with Cha Dae Woong, an action school student. Mi Ho, the gumiho, gives Dae Woong her valuable fox bead, in order to save his life. Because he is the one who freed her from a painting that served as her prison for 500 years, she felt like she should return the favor. Out of fear, Dae Woong lives with Mi Ho and feeds her while the bead remains in his body until he is fully healed. Over time Dae Woong falls in love with Mi Ho, but remains unaware of it for a while. On the other hand, Mi Ho had a crush on Dae Woong early on and had no problems with admitting it to the world.

This video is an example of Mi Ho being open about her feelings for Dae Woong.

Trust

One of the important themes in this Korean drama is trust. Mi Ho gave her precious fox bead to Cha Dae Woong and must trust that he will keep it safe. If he even kisses another girl, the bead will become damaged and hurt Mi Ho. Both Mi Ho and Dae Woong must trust each other in order for their love to survive, especially because others are trying to break them up. Can they continue to trust each other? If the trust is broken, can it be repaired?

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is another major theme in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. Just how much are you willing to sacrifice for the one you love? What can you give up in order to be with the person you love? Is it better to give up being with the person you love if it means that they can survive? Cha Dae Woong and Gu Mi Ho are both faced with these questions.

Perseverance

Another theme in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is perseverance. The love between Dae Woong and Mi Ho is put to the test throughout the drama. Both must persevere through their obstacles. At numerous times, it wouldn't be surprising for someone to give up on making the relationship work. By being able to push through the problems together, it proves that their love is true and even strengthens that love.

Spoiler (Highlight to read)

Something else that I really liked about My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is that Mi Ho did not return to Dae Woong as a human. Instead, she was a one tailed fox. I thought that she was adorable as a gumiho and I would have been sad to see her become a human.

In conclusion, without giving too much away, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is a good Korean drama that has the right amount of comedy to lighten up the more serious moments and shows how trust, sacrifice, and perseverance is important to love. I plan on watching this cute drama again in the future, and I would highly recommend it to others.

Check out My Girlfriend is a Gumiho Merchandise!
Check out My Girlfriend is a Gumiho OST!

City Hunter 시티헌터

[Genre: action, romance, suspense]
{Korean}

I finished watching City Hunter and I loved it! I was hooked from the beginning. I really love it when a drama can get my interest instantly. This action drama deals with many themes, such as betrayal, revenge, justice, truth, and love.

Usually when you think of betrayal, you imagine a close friend or family member betraying you. But, City Hunter handles a different type of betrayal. The betrayal of your own country. Jin Pyo (Kim Sang Jung) was the only survivor of the “Wipeout Mission” that was supposed to kill the 21 special agents for the sake of hiding a government secret. Apparently the five high ranking government officials who made this decision had never heard of the adage “the truth always comes out.”

Jin Pyo was not only betrayed by his own country, but he also had to watch his best friend die protecting him. I can only imagine the pain, anger, and confusion he must have felt. Can you really blame him for having a lust for revenge?

Jin Pyo steals his best friend's baby boy and trains him hard to become a fighter. Despite Lee Yoon Sung's harsh upbringing, he is a caring and playful man who can't stand by while someone is being wronged. Even in the Golden Triangle, where Jin Pyo raised him, he saved a stranger's life. This stranger was Bae Sik Joong. Sik Joong is allowed to stay with Yoon Sung as long as he works as a cook.

This drama also presents two different types of revenge: blood shed and no blood shed. I believe that Yoon Sung's form of revenge is acceptable, because he exposed crimes that the politicians committed. Jin Pyo's idea of revenge, on the other hand, is unacceptable, because it involves murder.

I was very impressed with Lee Min Ho's acting, as were many others. I don't feel like any other actor could have portrayed Yoon Sung better than him. You can tell that he put a lot of effort into understanding his character and expressing the emotions properly and at the right times. I was also impressed with Lee Min Ho, because he performed most of the action scenes. He was even injured during the filming of City Hunter and still insisted on not using a stunt double. I admire his dedication, but I hope he realizes to not push himself too much. I would hate to see him seriously hurt himself.

Lee Min Ho's Car Accident
Lee Min Ho Continues Filming Despite Shoulder Injury
Lee Min Ho Interview Part 1
Lee Min Ho Interview Part 2

Lee Min Ho wasn't the only good actor, though! Kim Sang Jung was also great. Throughout the drama I would have mixed feelings of like and dislike for him. I was even worried about him being capable of killing Yoon Sung. I could tell that Yoon Sung wouldn't kill Jin Pyo, but I wasn't so positive about Jin Pyo. I felt like he truly loved his son, but I also think his lust for revenge was so strong it could overwhelm those feelings. Jin Pyo's face expressions were slight, but you could tell in multiple scenes by that small change that he did care about his son.

Spoiler
(highlight the text in the box below to read)

I cried when Jin Pyo died, because I felt so bad for him. He was the most tragic character in City Hunter. I would have liked it if he lived, but he would have ended up in jail. In a way, I feel like it was fitting for him to die. From this scene where he confesses to everything to clear his son's name, I no longer have a single doubt in my mind that he truly loved Yoon Sung. I feel like that was his gift to him. He knew that Yoon Sung wanted to live a normal, happy life with the people he loves.

Another thing that made this korean drama good was the plot. There were many twists in City Hunter and it wasn't predictable. I absolutely love it when a drama can surprise me. The plot also seemed well thought out. The only part I didn't like was the ending.

Spoiler Warning
(highlight the text in the box below to read)

I didn't like the ending, because you're left unsure of whether or not Kim Na Na and Lee Yoon Sung are together or not. I would have been happier if they hugged each other at the airport, but they kept their distance and merely smiled. It makes little sense. Then it makes even less sense when they show Lee Yoon Sung driving at night alone. Honestly, I didn't even realize the car scene was part of the ending; I thought it was part of the recap. I also wanted to see what would happen with Yoon Sung and the President. I am very disappointed with the ending, especially since every episode was so amazing. The ending completely flopped in my opinion. I really think there could have been a better ending.

As for the City Hunter OST, I enjoyed it much more than the Secret Garden OST. The songs I liked in particular were Sad Run, Middle Point Symphony, It's Alright, So Goodbye, Suddenly, and Red Water.

Overall, I think City Hunter was a really good drama and I plan on watching it again in the future.

If you want to purchase some City Hunter merchandise, check out my Squidoo Lens on City Hunter. I will be adding more things to it later, but so far I have some Lee Min Ho posters and calendars.

Note: If you are posting a comment with a spoiler please give a warning beforehand.

Secret Garden 시크릿 가든

[Genre: romance, melodrama, fantasy]

{Korean}

Recently, I have finished watching Secret Garden and loved it. It's definitely a drama I would watch again. I thought that the acting was superb, Hyun Bin (Kim Joo Won) and Ha Ji Won (Gil Ra Im) in particular. They both did a great job as acting as the other during the soul swaps. I really could see Gil Ra Im's personality in Kim Joo Won and vice versa. Even the other actors did a very good job, but I was mostly impressed with the leads.

In addition to the acting, I enjoyed the plot. I don't want to give too much away in case you haven't seen it yet, but one of the things I liked is how Kim Joo Won got to experience his mother looking down upon him when he was in Gil Ra Im's body. I feel like the body switching was necessary, because Kim Joo Won was a jerk in the beginning. How likely would it be that he would change if he didn't experience a bit of what Gil Ra Im does?

As for the Secret Garden OST, I wasn't too crazy about it like some people were, but I did like a few songs. For example, I like the song That Man by Hyun Bin. The Baek Ji Young version is mediocre, in my opinion. Hyun Bin does it so much better.

Spoiler Warning
(highlight the text in the box below to read)

One thing that disappointed me about the drama was that Han Tae Sun and Oska didn't end up together. I was hoping that Oska would turn out bisexual and choose to be with Han Tae Sun. I would really love to see a Korean drama that has a gay couple in it. Even if it was two females, I would like to see it. I have nothing wrong with straight romances, but some gay romance would be a nice change at times. To me love is love, so I don't mind either way.

Note: If you are posting a comment with a spoiler please give a warning beforehand.