Friday, March 29, 2019

[I Live Alone Roundup] Viewers get excited as Han Hye Jin makes a special appearance

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Nationwide ratings for this week's episode that aired on March 29: Ratings haven't been released yet, I'll update it once it is! (cr. Naver TV)

1. [+2945, -106] Hye Jin, it's nice to see you again - it's nice to see you like this, please return soon
↪ [+109, -7] Seriously I hope she just comes out ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Wow seriously when she walking, it was so freaking cool ㅇㅇ Or even an appearance through the VCR... Or it would be okay if they take turns coming out... (t/n: They're saying she doesn't even need to come into the studio to comment on other people's episode, they just want to see her) 

2. [+2121, -45] My mouth dropped by itself while I watched Hye Jin unni walk... Wow... So fucking cool ㅠㅠ Modeling isn't just for anyone seriously

3. [+1208, -44] Dhalsim!!!! She was seriously cool today!!! The model force when she picked out Sung Hoon's weakness, it felt like she was sprinkling magic around!! As expected of Han Hye Jin ♥

4. [+842, -45] Our members and Jessi, don't worry about hate comments - you're doing well, today's episode was relaxed and everyone's fun and I can tell you're trying hard - and it was nice seeing Dhalsim ㅜ Please come when time passes by

5. [+547, -14] Sung Hoon, please do a good job at taking care of your body, I'm sad that he's hurt in many places ♡♡

6. [+366, -16] Crazy - Han Hye Jin was so cool today, I was mesmerized while watching....

7. [+331, -11] Han Hye Jin is really cool... She also looks good with the orange hair, she was really cool when she taught him how to walk and even when her hair was blowing... Also Jessi is really cute but I'm sad that she's discouraged ㅠ


1. [+774, -14] Break up break up that freaking break up, can they not write an article without using that word?! It's been a while since we seen Dhalsim-ie, it's really nice to see her ㅠㅠㅠ She wasn't Dhalsim today, she was model Han Hye Jin ㅠㅠ she's cool

2. [+544, -8] Wow... Dhalsim no, no Han Hye Jin's walking was insane seriously

3. [+301, -4] No but she was seriously really cool ㅠㅠ so freaking cool.. so fucking cool... Top models are really different, I fell for her when her hair was bouncing while walking ㅜㅜ

4. [+316, -69] To be honest, since Jun Hyun Moo isn't there, the members' dialects blew up - Jun Hyun Moo cut them off too much 

5. [+199, -10] Han Hye Jin hwaiting...!!!!


1. [+2511, -82] Narae is working hard, I'm watching because of our Narae

2. [+1642, -309] I thought Jessi was really funny last week honestly ㅋㅋ (t/n: me too lol)

3. [+970, -177] Jessi's fine. 

4. [+462, -41] Our members, don't worry about the hate comments, you're doing well. Today's episode was relaxing and fun and I can see that everyone is trying hard 

5. [+455, -81] It's fun! Jessi hwaiting!
Our Dhalsim ♡♡♡
I missed her so much ㅠㅠ
Also I actually liked Jessi's episode LOL
I think it's understandable if her Korean isn't completely fluent - especially since she moved back and forth a lot from the U.S. to Korea when she was younger
I died when she said air purifier because personally I find that word to be a tongue twister too LOL
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Saturday, March 16, 2019

[I Live Alone Roundup] Park Narae, Kian84, Lee Si Eon, and Sung Hoon holds down the fort on this week's episode

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Nationwide ratings for this week's episode (March 15): 11.9% (cr. Naver TV)

1. [+6341, -37] It's more natural and fun that they're going along with it without walking on eggshells. The pool scene was the most fun. ㅋㅋ
↪ [+270, -0] I couldn't imagine that it would be this fun ㅋㅋㅋ It's more fun that it wasn't organized ㅋㅋㅋ

2. [+3758, -63] Because Lee Si Eon came back, it feels like he filled up Jun Hyun Moo and Han Hye Jin's empty spot because his chemistry gets along well with Park Narae ㅋㅋㅋ 'I Live Alone' fighting! 

3. [+3192, -35] It feels like I laughed the most this year, it's the best!! 

4. [+2319, -22] What are they supposed to do when the people involved decided to leave. Think of this crisis as an opportunity for change. The thing viewers want from 'I Live Alone' is fun in their individual lives rather than something artificial. I feel like if they show that well, they'll be able to be more successful 

5. [+1631, -34] The certain thing is that it's fun to the point it's embarrassingly fun!!!! 

6. [+515, -4] Kian ㅋㅋㅋ "Let's not have workplace romance" ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
Original Source (OSEN via Naver): "Workplace romance is prohibited"...'I Live Alone' announces Jun Hyun Moo · Han Hye Jin break up → Empty first broadcast of the four people

 1. [+4294, -56] When Narae said, "Sigh I don't know" at the end ㅋㅋ It was her first time almost leading it all by herself and it's with the idiots ㅜ She did it without having people on the side, she didn't force herself by pretending to be a professional - I really liked how if she was fumbling, she fumbled, it was cute and I want to support her ㄲ

 2. [+2952, -50] When Narae and Kian were sitting together at the beginning and said, "Did 20 years pass?" I blew up ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Let's put Narae as the main (MC) and let's go for a solo daesang 

 3. [+2911, -89] I didn't feel a single bit of emptiness 

 4. [+1815, -22] I seriously laughed out loud when the three idiots were making a train in the pool, I cried while watching when Sung Hoon's head was trembling ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

 5. [+1265, -25] Even though I woke up from sleeping, it's so freaking funny thinking about them swimming ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Original Source (Sports Chosun): 'I Live Alone' Sung Hoon's uncontrollable variety skills explode even in Hong Kong

 1. [+1765, -22] Seriously ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ this combination is the best ㅠㅠ Narae also did good hosting!! I hella blew up during the pool scene so I cried while watching ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I was worried but it was funnier than I thought it would be so I'm relieved!

 2. [+1059, -22] Yesterday's episode, it's been a while since it was funny ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Seriously my stomach hurt because of laughing ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ The idiots are so funny and as expected, the studio is fun when Lee Si Eon's there ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

 3. [+506, -21] Sung Hoon is so funny these days, I laughed out loud ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

 4. [+399, -10] Everyone is flying around, the four of them together is good - I can tell they're nervous but because they're doing well, I hope they do it comfortably 

 5. [+324, -7] I couldn't really tell but after watching yesterday's episode, there's a difference when Lee Si Eon is there or not ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ He's definitely performing as a receiver of the Top Excellence award ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ            
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Sunday, March 10, 2019

[SPOILERS!!!][ddoboja reviews] SKY Castle

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Calling 'SKY Castle' one of the biggest hits of 2018 is an understatement. When the drama premiered, it recorded ratings of 1.7%. That's right, a measly rating of 1.7%. But then by the second episode, it recorded ratings of 4.3% and then the ratings continued to grow and grow until the drama started accomplishing records and became known for being the highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history. If that's not the biggest glo up then I don't know what is.

From the get go, SKY Castle stood out to me for having a legit cast of middle-aged veteran actors and barely any idol actors. The main cast featured Yum Jung Ah, Lee Tae Ran, Yoon Se Ah, Oh Nara, Kim Seo Hyung, Jung Jun Ho, and Choi Won Young. But, initially, the plot description wasn't that appealing. The drama was described as telling the stories of prestigious families living in a luxurious neighborhood - they're Korea's 1%. 

When I watched the first episode, I thought I was watching a bad remake of 'Gossip Girl' because of the scene where they hold a dinner party for Young Jae's family after he gets accepted into very prestigious university. But my initial impression of the drama changes immediately after the ending scene of the first episode when Kim Jung Nan's character commits suicide. After that ending scene, I knew 'SKY Castle' wasn't another typical Korean drama about elite families and their outrageous antics. 


Now I'm not sure if it was ever explicitly stated in the drama or by the writer but I thought the drama was titled 'SKY Castle' because the residents of this neighborhood were all aiming to send their children to SKY - which is an acronym for Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, the three most prestigious universities in Korea.  The residents of the SKY Castle neighborhood are the 1% of the 1% - they’re families of surgeons, lawyers, and other wealthy individuals. All the families have the same goal and it’s to make their children succeed in life and they’ll stop at nothing to guarantee their children’s success and family’s honor. 

Kwak Mi Hyang (Yum Jung Ah), Lee Soo Im (Lee Tae Ran), No Seung Hye (Yoon Se Ah), Jin Jin Hee (Oh Nara), and Kim Joo Young (Kim Seo Hyung) all have one thing in common and that's the endless love they have for their children. At first, the families appear to be perfect but all of them are hiding their own secrets. Despite the main characters all having their flaws, they continue to be lovable because of the remarkable writing and acting in this drama that helps you understand why they behave in the way they do. 

Kwak Mi Hyang lives in a lie because she wants to provide her daughters the life she didn't get to have. Her constructed life becomes unraveled when her true identity is (accidentally) revealed by Lee Soo Im, someone from Mi Hyang's past, and the character goes through a process where she realizes that if she tries to continue to accomplish her lie, it'll bring more harm to her family and those around her. 

Another thing I really appreciated about 'SKY Castle' was the amazing performances by the child actors. Like I have previously stated, the children roles aren't played by idol actors - there's literally only one character played by an idol and that's SF9 member Chan Hee/CHANI, who has past acting experience. Chan Hee plays Hwang Woo Joo and most viewers didn't even know Chan Hee was an idol! I feel like if child actors star heavily in a drama, it can be a hit or a miss depending on the child's performance but that's not the case in 'SKY Castle'. The children all bring their characters to life! 

I think the children play an equally important role in the drama because while their parents are showing that they will stop at nothing to guarantee success for their children - the children often speak up about their parents actions and wrongdoings. 

My favorite examples of this moment was in episode 16 when Ye Bin (portrayed by Lee Ji Won) confronts her dad (Jung Jun Ho) after Hye Na's death by saying, "Dad, are you even human?"

In some cases, the children are the parents' reminder that they messed up by choosing to do the wrong things, like in episode 19 when Kwak Mi Hyang sees her daughter, Ye Seo (portrayed by Kim Hye Yoon), barely able to function after being swallowed up by her own guilt - like what's the point of trying so hard to get your daughter into medical school when she's so scared of living.  

 Another one of my favorite scenes were the interactions between Jin Jin Hee and her son Soo Han (portrayed by Lee Yoo Jin). Although Jjin Jjin is originally from a well-off family, she's not as competitive about Soo Han's future like the other mothers are about their children. She's more worried about Soo Han's well-being and happiness instead of his grades. This is evident when Soo Han runs away after Jjin Jjin lashes out at him for breaking her precious dishes and when she finally reunites with Soo Han, she repeatedly tells him that she doesn't care whether he studies well because she only cares about his happiness and she can't live without him.

 Although this drama is filled with phenomenal performances, the performances that stood out most to me were Kim Seo Hyung's portrayal of Kim Joo Young and Yoon Se Ah's portrayal as Noh Seung Hye. Kim Seo Hyung is probably most known for her performance in the ultimate makjang drama 'Temptation of a Wife' but I think she'll now be remembered for her performance in 'SKY Castle'. In 'SKY Castle', Kim Seo Hyung makes you forget who she is and you'll be convinced that she is just Kim Joo Young. Kim Joo Young gives you chills in every scene because of her ruthlessness and sheer wickedness. But once K/Kay/Kei appears, you'll realize that despite the wickedness, Kim Joo Young is also human and a mother. 

 Before 'SKY Castle', I mostly knew Yoon Se Ah for her high-pitched voice. She wasn't exactly a memorable actress, especially because she usually played supporting roles, but she wasn't a horrible actress either. In 'SKY Castle', Yoon Se Ah played the role of Noh Seung Hye - a caring mother of three, who is a devoted wife that is starting to speak out against her husband's extreme childrearing practices. I loved all of the scenes that featured Seung Hye and the rest of the Cha family but towards the end, I was starting to get tired of storyline about Se Ri and her club business but I understand that the club storyline was vital for the development of Cha Min Hyuk's storyline so that he understands he can't control his children's lives. One of the most memorable scenes for me is in episode 14 when Seung Hye finally lashes out against Professor Cha - that one scene proved to me that Yoon Se Ah's acting spectrum is so wide.   
'SKY Castle' isn't your typical Korean drama about rich families. The drama is a perfect mix of black comedy, mystery, and thriller. The various storylines within the drama isn't dragged on and on and I thought they were quickly resolved, especially the storyline regarding Cha Se Ri and Harvard. 

If you're looking for a Korean drama that literally isn't a romantic comedy and has no acting holes, 'SKY Castle' is what you have been searching for. The drama will have you sitting at the edge of your seat during each and every episode and you'll be in awe with the acting. The drama did have a controversial ending because some viewers found it unrealistic but the more I think about it, I think the drama showed that the ending was possible because these families are again, the 1% - they're extremely rich and they have the resources to have that ending. Definitely check it out so that you can fall in love with this entire cast and fangirl over them with me!  
It's been a month since 'SKY Castle' has ended ㅠㅠ
But my review is finally here and this is also my 800th post!
YAYYYYY!
What a perfect way to hit 800~!
(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
Is anyone else having SKY Castle withdrawals? 
I literally can't keep up with other dramas because I feel like they don't match the quality SKY Castle had ㅠㅠ
At the moment, I'm only watching 'Spring Turns to Spring' because Uhm Ji Won and Lee Yoo Ri are absolutely fantastic in it and it's such a light-hearted and fun drama ♡
I'm so sad this drama is over ㅠㅠ
I can't wait to see what else the actors will be coming out in!
Hope everyone is having a good day/night!
Talk to you soon!
♡

All gifs are from jungedm / 정이듬
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Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Han Hye Jin and Jun Hyun Moo announce they have ended their relationship, both will take a temporary break from 'I Live Alone'

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1. [+5873, -76] Lovers can break up.. Both of you, stay strong!

2. [+3588, -48] Then Jun Hyun Moo takes a break, Han Hye Jin takes a break, Lee Si Eon takes a break, Hwasa only comes out to promote her new song, Sung Hoon is only a part-time fixed cast member so he only comes out in his footage, there's no news from Henry..... Then is only Park Narae and Kian coming out in the studio???
↪ [+539, -2] ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Wow this is so accurate ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

3. [+3015, -132] To give off cool vibes, they should just keep coming out on the show

4. [+1910, -253] Han Hye Jin really seems like a good person~~ ㅜㅜ I hope they shake it off quickly and become comfortable. 

5. [+1453, -77] They must not have been fate. I was hoping they would've been........
↪ [+103, -3] They were fated to date for a year.. is it fate only if you marry.. 
Original Source (YTN via Naver): Jun Hyun Moo · Han Hye Jin break up..."Remaining as good colleagues, taking time off from 'I Live Alone'"

1. [+9036, -113] People can date and then break up.

 2. [+4338, -454] If they break up, they break up - I hope both of them come out on 'I Live Alone', I'm a huge fan of Jun Hyun Moo and Han Hye Jin

 3. [+3466, -129] It's probably been a while since they broke up? It seems like they were pretending like they didn't for the show and they saw the opportunity and announced it today
↪ [+439, -4] They kept looking awkward 

4. [+2229, -464] It's right to end it coolly. They really didn't match 
↪ [+247, -33] But they matched well? But she looked better with Sung Hoon who was next to her ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

 5. [+1319, -479] If you look at rumors later on, they're always right. From now on, I'm going to always believe them 
↪ [+341, -25] What do you mean "always", there are more incorrect ones and this just came by - kids like this believe rumors while having a spiritual victory and then spread the rumors   

 6. [+586, -27] In last week's episode, Han Hye Jin cried while saying there's difficult parts as a model, someone's daughter, and someone's girlfriend, was it foreshadowing... While quitting modeling, she's also saying goodbye ㅜ No matter what it means in many ways, I hope this is a turning point and I can see both of them again doing good 

Original Source (TV Reports via Naver): Jun Hyun Moo · Han Hye Jin, public relationship break up after one year...Worries that are surrounding 'I Live Alone'

1. [+12264, -600] Isn't alright if they just push and come out with the ex-boyfriend and girlfriend concept? It's not like they committed a crime or something, fuck 
↪ [+1146, -34] That's right, who cares if they broke up ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Once they get their feelings together, I hope they both come out ㅠㅠ

 2. [+4964, -973] Now that I think about it, the day that person came out, this article was released (t/n: Ex-president Lee Myung Bak was released from prison today)

 3. [+3556, -148] This is why you shouldn't date co-workers 

 4. [+6842, -3831] Sung Hoon and Han Hye Jin look good together when they're together - I think Han Hye Jin needs to meet someone who's like a bear, whether it's their personality or height, a warm style that can cover her. You can straight up tell Jun Hyun Moo isn't the type acts warmly towards someone, he's selfish and easy (t/n: What???)
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Saturday, March 2, 2019

[I Live Alone Roundup] Han Hye Jin tears up as she looks back at her 20-year modeling career

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Nationwide ratings for the episode that aired on March 1: 10.9% (cr. Naver TV)

1. [+3756, -98] I want to continue seeing her doing modeling work but that must be my greediness, right? ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ Unni hwaiting! 

2. [+3481, -83] Ah I really feel bad for her ㅠ Just like Hwasa said, she must've fought loneliness for 20 years... Imagine how hard it was for her to endure the hate comments that she's continues to receive even now

3. [+2429, -61] I cried once today because of Han Hye Jin and I cried again because of Chung Jae ㅠ (t/n: Chung Jae's part of the episode will be a separate post)

4. [+1461, -61] Han Hye Jin, it's amazing it you made it all the way up here~ I support you, hwaiting! I think you have a kind heart  

5. [+1237, -61] I support Han Hye Jin~! Stay strong

6. [+517, -17] I hope she remembers that there are more fans who are supporting her below the surface than a few haters above the surface....  
Original Source (Sports Chosun via Naver): 'I Live Alone' Han Hye Jin, "I wasn't exactly happy during my 20 year model life" tears

1. [+1772, -48] Imagine how scary it was to go abroad alone to work in your early twenties.... ㅜㅜ  

2. [+1139, -36] Han Hye Jin's 20th modeling anniversary - I had the thought that it must've been quite hard for Han Hye Jin to endure those long years so I teared up... I support you

3. [+1139, -53] Chung Jae-ssi! I'm so proud of you and I understood today when I saw that you wanted to say something but you were kinda bearing it! I think sometimes it's good if you go to the mountains once in a while and scream out to relieve stress. I learned a lot and felt a lot... I also cried with you... I hope you're filled with good things from now on... I'm supporting you. Come out often on 'I Live Alone' ^^

4. [+608, -15] A moving special episode 

5. [+446, -21] While watching today's episode, I've never cried this much before - the whole time watching, my heart hurt and as a fan, I'm always supporting you, always stay strong, you're the best

6. [+298, -11] I watched a documentary that caught Han Hye Jin working in the U.S... I can't forget the scene where she was wearing heels and running like crazy because she didn't want to be late to a fashion show. During the time where racial discrimination was severe, imagine how much she suffered in New York. Because there was that period, it must be why we have the current Han Hye Jin. Whether it's your image as an entertainer or your image as a model, I support your passion ^^

Original Source (Naver TV via Naver): Looking back at the past 20 years, Hye Jin's hard work and pain

t/n: Han Hye Jin and Kim Won Kyung have been working as models for 20 years already. They're really close friends and to celebrate their career, they went to Hawaii together to do a self-photoshoot. At the end of their trip, they were looking back at their careers and Han Hye Jin asked Kim Won Kyung, "Would you still work as a model if you were born again? Or would you be a photographer, stylist, or hair stylist/makeup artist? You have to choose one." And Kim Won Kyung answered model and said, "Taking pictures is so hard". And Han Hye Jin added, "Modeling is the easiest~". Kim Won Kyung then asked Han Hye Jin the same question. Han Hye Jin answered, "I have no skills... I'm really glad I grew up tall."  

During her private interview, Han Hye Jin was asked, "How was your 20th anniversary trip?" She answered, "I don't know, it was really complicated..." and then she teared up. "When I look back at my career, I was really upset over why I wasn't exactly happy or why I wasn't fully enjoying it. Every time I talked about work, my mom would be so sad... Oh, I can't... (she broke into tears)". 

She then continued, "Modeling is a job where you only do it with your looks. It might sound cold and cruel but it's a job where you do it with the shell you have - just because I say I put in the effort, the factors I can change are limited. As I come out on TV, I let myself get known by a lot of people and I get recognized but when I hear things like, "I don't understand how she modeled with those conditions, with that face up until now", it made me really upset. Because my mom raised me well like this but as a woman, as my mother's daughter, and as someone's girlfriend, in these many roles, I didn't want to acknowledge it but there were difficult factors."  Here's the link to the second part of the interview - X (YouTube).   

1. [+4970, -102] While watching, I cried with her..... Why were her words "There aren't skills I can do so I'm glad I was born tall" so sad.... She seems like a person who has a lot of things, she looks lonely
↪ [+367, -8] I cried with her ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
↪ [+810, -4] Rather than her looking lonely... I want to say that she worked hard. 

2. [+3857, -76] Seriously, can the hate commenters stop now, celebrities aren't your emotional trash can, celebrities are human too, do you not have any thoughts after seeing someone get hurt and crying over the things you wrote - Dhalsim, you did well for 20 years and you're going to do well from now on as well, I support you

3. [+2709, -62] At some point, she pretended like she didn't see appearance criticism, body evaluation, and hate comments about her facial expressions but imagine how much she was hurt by them that she cried like that, I hope that she'll now reduce a bit of the baggage in her heart - Rainbow Club members, let's only walk the flower path

4. [+2439, -56] I teared up while watching too ㅠㅠㅠ It was really moving and she's amazing, I think Hye Jin's 20 years is very precious 

5. [+2299, -62] Ah seriously it was really sad... A lonely fight for 20 years... She tried to bear bad words by herself, imagine how hard it was for her to acclimate 

6. [+1753, -40] Two Hye Jin (t/n: Hwasa's birth name is also Hye Jin), Narae - YeoEunPa (t/n: YeoEunPa stands for The Girls' Secret Party) is so heartwarming ㅠㅠㅠㅜ They understand each other and their chemistry fits well, I hope YeoEunPa gets together again soon 
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